tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920969409169567082014-09-30T23:47:37.441-07:00FOR THE LEAST OF USOUR MISSION
To identify, actively nurture, and support families of an incarcerated member
To link with active ministries and organizations toward:
o Reconciling families
o Transforming hearts through Christ
o Assisting in the provision of skills and services sufficient to help break the revolving door of recidivism
o Welcoming the whole family as members into Christ’s body, the churchBill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-37922767415724023402013-05-25T20:17:00.000-07:002013-05-25T21:13:18.863-07:00OUR BROKEN JUSTICE SYSTEM<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NmAhAIQym0/UaF9F4hIKkI/AAAAAAAAAqo/tN7dLSEFPMM/s1600/DSCN1015.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NmAhAIQym0/UaF9F4hIKkI/AAAAAAAAAqo/tN7dLSEFPMM/s320/DSCN1015.JPG" /></a> MAY 27, 2013<br /><b><br /></b><b>OUR BROKEN JUSTICE SYSTEM&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Chapter 1,&nbsp;</b><b>Going to prison&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><b>KIMBLE</b>: I didn't kill my wife.<br /><b>GERARD</b>: So, you didn't kill your wife. Not my problem. I don't care…<br /><br /><b>GERARD</b>: That's right, Kimble... I'm not trying to solve a puzzle here. I'm just the poor working man that's paid to hunt you down. (The Fugitive, 1993, Screen Play, Tommy Lee Jones (Inspector Gerard), Harrison Ford (Dr. Kimble).<br /><br />“Well you gotta remember, the Dr. Kimble case was very high profile. A cop or marshal could literally make a career by being the man who brought in Kimble.” (Movie reviewer)<br /><br /><br /><i><b>A LIVING PARABLE</b> I said I was sorry. We didn't mean for it to turn out this way, but were at a rock and a hard spot and afraid for ourselves. Things just got a bit out of control. You know, I had a job to do and couldn't quite get it all done.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Maybe I stretched it a little, but I felt under the gun, and one thing led to another. Besides, everyone was in on it too. It wasn't as if I was the only bad one. Then one thing led to another, and in no time, we were so busy covering up, we were doing nothing right. What choice did I really have?&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I’m not really a bad person. It’s not like I ever did anything like this before, or will again, but this was different, and everybody got caught up in it. The truth is the doctor isn't really such a nice guy; he was always pushing to get things done. Didn't he know we tried? But after awhile we were all trapped, and I had enough respect for my co-workers not to rat on them. Besides, he had it all: money, a big house, nice cars, and a great family.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>&nbsp;Personally, I didn't like any of it from the beginning. I thought it would all blow over in time. None of us ever dreamed the feds and the lawyers would pick up on our stories as they did. But what’s a girl to do? Nobody told them to waste ten years trying to bring him down like they did. I think they just got caught up in the possibilities and their passions took over.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>You know, nobody there could make it fit either. Each investigator worked hard looking for a smoking gun. The next thing I knew another agency was called in. I couldn't keep it all straight. Personally, I wanted out; it wasn't like I wanted his money, but the other girls said we all deserved something out of it. After all, we did mean well, at least at the beginning.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>The government people scared me to death. It was like they smelled blood or something. They have a way of making you feel guilty or something. And somebody is going down, and if not him it’s you. After they got what they wanted from me, I felt dirty, and called up my friends for consolation. That’s how they make you feel. Personally, I think they all made a mountain out of a molehill. It wasn't me who ruined his life. Personally, I don’t think he deserved any of this.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><br />Going up against a Government, hell bent to obtain a conviction is a lesson in futility. So seven years into it, I cried uncle, and gave it up to the Father. I accepted a plea bargain. At the very real threat of spending the rest of my life in prison, my remaining attorneys suggested I accept a plea bargain. Everything I had built up in a lifetime career of public service in medicine was gone. My medical license, my reputation, my family’s financial security, and my freedom. I was broke and in hock for several hundred thousands of dollars.<br /><br /><br /><i>“There is no sound louder than the slamming of a prison gate.” (Professor David Protess, Medill Innocence Project, Northwestern University)&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i>“To think that slamming people behind bars, breaking their spirits, and destroying their souls could do anything other than lead to more evil is the ultimate naiveté”. (Mark Olson)&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><br />Atwater is the model for the next generation of Federal Penitentiaries, recently built for high security and not creature comfort. We walk through a maze of corridors, through one locked door after another. The décor is reinforced rock. Eventually we enter a large open area with an administrative section and my cell-to-be for the next several hours. After a few cursory questions, fingerprinting, and a mug shot, I almost happily retreat behind the locked bars to my cell. I am dog tired and no longer feeling very courageous. The metal chair is cold and the wholly visible stainless steel toilet seat even more so. There I wait, scarcely caring what comes next. I am reminded of a scene from an old James Cagney movie, but in this remake, I am Bugsy Siegel.<br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor who now is a professor of criminal law and ethics at Los Angeles’ Loyola Law School, calls the phenomenon of innocent people pleading guilty to crimes “One of my biggest concerns. Unfortunately, it happens all the time,” she added, because guilty pleas “take a lot less work.” Overwhelmingly, defendants charged with felonies plead guilty rather than stand trial – more than 95% of convictions statewide occur before trial. (“Tainted Trials, Stolen Justice,” San Jose Mercury News, 1/25/06).&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><br /><br />I’m mostly on the sad side of the page. Sometimes I’m gripped with this claustrophobic fright. For forty hours now, I’ve been confined to a room smaller than my home closet. I struggle to stay sane, trying not to dwell on my lot. I walk about the cell, read, nap, and talk to my roommate, the Lord. I ask for His protection and pray for courage.<br /><br />My mood flashes from acceptance to discomfort, then on to gloom,close to losing control.– becoming increasingly aware I ever was in control. Much of my day is spent in prayer. I’ve cleared my calendar and given Him my full attention. I’m starting to learn the meaning of fear of the Lord.<br /><br />I pace the floor, do sit-ups, stretch, and try back exercises. I do these with intention, if with little passion. I read, rest, and nap. I’m determined to remain physically, mentally, emotionally, and particularly spiritually fit. I try not to relive the past It is about 9:30 AM and already I have walked 1350 steps, about 200 more than yesterday. That’s progress.<br /><br />All is not lost. The Warden pops by. “How are you doing, old man?” Knowing how abrupt these visits, I pipe up with, “I haven’t had soap or shaving gear.” He said they are on the way. Brazenly, I ask about my Camp transfer. He speaks of their need to complete paperwork. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.” I figure calendars and clocks haven’t yet caught on at Atwater.<br /><br /><br /><br /><i>&nbsp;"The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will forever be liable to abuse." ---James Madison</i><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;Yearning for TLC, I asked the next “face” appearing at the slit whether my wife will be permitted to visit. He doubts it. My initiation to prison culture. No matter how page three of the inmate handout “The Rules and Regulations,” reads, “visitors are allowed”! Emphatically, I’m learning staff doesn’t much cozy to the prisoner rights theme. They seem to make up their own rules from day to day. Compromised, I ask permission to call home, the guard believes that possible, then directs another to fetch me a requisition form.<br /><br />It never arrives.<br /><br /><br />A fellow inmate, a dynamic African-American “brother” manning the book cart, rescued me last night. Several hours after hearing the next book distribution is six days away, Mr. Right comes walking down the hall touting “books for the bored.” I opened the slit and hollered out, “Any bibles available?” He had none; they appear not a popular choice. Once again, I felt like the perpetual loser. But minutes later, my “brother” re-appeared, bible in hand. He had retreated to his own cell, found his own, and gifted it to me. I’d have given him the shirt off my back, if I had one.<br /><br />I wound up with the King James Version of the Holy Bible, and just happened to flip open to First Chronicles, and there facing me was The Prayer of Jabez,<br /><br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp;<i> “Oh that you would bless me, indeed, And enlarge my territory, That your hand would be with me,&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And &nbsp;that you would keep me from evil,&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;That I may not cause pain.”&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;So God granted him what he had requested.” I Chronicles 4:10&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>&nbsp;Thereupon, knowingly blessed with the spirit, I resolved to read the Bible cover to cover. I should make good time. There are few distractions<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;Today I respond to the morning cries of “Rec!” Heretofore I had no idea what the rant implied. Braving an inquiry, I heard “rec” is short for “recreation.” The guard goes away muttering loud enough for the neighborhood to hear – “How stupid can they be?”<br /><br />Undaunted, I go to “rec.” This consists of an hour of walking inside a cage. There are maybe ten comparable cages, each a private affair. One cage, one man. The men in the animal cages appear considerably tamer than the guards hosting them. While we walk aimlessly about our locked boxes, they prowl about our cages laughing all the way. At first I didn’t know what to do for rec, so I started jogging. I ran around my cage one hundred six times. Each thirty-six steps made one time around.<br /><br />My cage had a small blue ball. I tossed it against the wall, but soon grew weary from the combination of Atwater air, prison sadness, and old age. Bending down to catch the ball on the short hop no longer came easy. Fortunately, the young man in the adjoining cage was without a ball. I caught his attention and soon succeeded in ramming it through the chain links.<br /><br /><br />Bad news. The guards notice I still wear my wedding ring. They insist it has to go. They express concern my finger “will be lopped off along with the ring.” My fat fingers will not allow me to simply remove it, and how I have tried since being forewarned! All I have succeeded in doing is make my fat finger fatter. Having been well briefed in how wanting is the medical care here, I do hope the metal cutter is both sharp and sterile.<br /><br /><br /><br />“<i>Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go”&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<b>Bill and Pam Ziering Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 In His service</b>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-15507737587250143432012-11-20T22:32:00.000-08:002012-11-20T22:52:04.517-08:00ANGEL TREE - HOW IT WORKS <p>October 2011 <p>ANGEL TREE - HOW IT WORKS <p><p>Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. It seeks to <a href="http://"></a>transform the lives of these families and to reconcile them to their Heavenly Father and each other. In Matthew 18:5 Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” <p>Last summer in prisons and jails across the country, incarcerated parents applied to have their children participate in the Angel Tree Program. Applications were forwarded to Prison Fellowship Ministries’ clearing house for distribution to participating churches worldwide. <p>CPC received applications for the children of 31 families who live on the Monterey Peninsula. <p>We would very much like each of our small groups to adopt a family. CPC participants – small groups and individuals – will contact the caregiver by phone. Please introduce yourself, the Angel Tree Program, and our Church. Let the caregiver know what you have in mind. Verify the names of the children, their ages and their clothes sizes. Get caregiver’s approval for a time when you may come by and meet the kids and the caregiver. This may be to deliver the gifts or even before. <p>Purchase the Christmas gifts for delivery to the children. Each gift delivery provides an opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ with the family. Through Angel Tree, these children feel a parent’s love, despite their absence. It's suggested that each child receive 1- 2 gifts, totaling no more than $20. One gift should be an article of clothing, the other a toy. After that it's free-wheeling and up to you as the Lord leads you to help and to minister to them. <p>When you contact the caregiver, be aware that s/he may have no idea of the Angel Tree Program. Most caregivers are highly appreciative of the effort and support that providing gifts at Christmas provides. A few, a very few, are not. They may have separated themselves entirely from the incarcerated member because of what s/he has done to the family. If the caregiver refuses to participate, thank them and wish them well. (Please let me know this.) <p>Individual and group prayer times prior to meeting with children and their caregivers will strengthen, calm, and keep the volunteers relying upon God. The home may be a stressful environment for the child and the family. Court appearances, prison visits, financial strains, frequent relocations, and interpersonal tensions all test a family to the breaking point. If there has been drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, or physical abuse, stress at home is greatly increased. <p>Prison Fellowship writes, “Angel Tree doesn’t end with Christmas. For you and your church, that first Christmas connection can be the beginning of a rewarding ongoing relationship with these children and their families. Continue your Angel Tree ministry throughout the year and God will use your church to help these children and their families grow in their faith, strengthen their relationships with imprisoned parents, and fulfill the purposes that God has for their lives" <p>I personally hope each of the small groups accept this challenge. It certainly would qualify as a community "act" of kindness and not burden lone individuals with the year-round assignment. What a wonderful way for a group to come together. And, I know our members by participating with us will better understand what these families go through than by reading all of the e-mails and listening to the talks I've given to date. Angel Tree provides an opportunity to connect with those families and begin ministering to them at Christmas and continue through a variety of year-round ministry opportunities. <p>I'm always available to walk anyone through the program and even make house calls. <p>Grace and peace, <p>Bill and Pam Ziering 26033 Mesa Drive, Carmel, CA 93923 250-7921 ziering@pacbell.net Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-77048574880928881682012-11-20T21:17:00.000-08:002012-11-20T22:10:15.224-08:00CAN YOU HELP?March 30, 2010<br /><br /><br />“Can you help?”<br /><br /><br /><br />“There’s this homeless couple with the most adorable 1 year old, living in their car which is about to be compounded. It doesn’t run, needs a lot of unaffordable work, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0dnheWUMCs/UKxml4_e3SI/AAAAAAAAAl4/o5WRiUaG-BY/s1600/man%2Bin%2Bcar%2Blooking%2Bfor%2Bjob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="139" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0dnheWUMCs/UKxml4_e3SI/AAAAAAAAAl4/o5WRiUaG-BY/s200/man%2Bin%2Bcar%2Blooking%2Bfor%2Bjob.jpg" /></a></div> and is stuck there in front of a church.” The police have given them until the end of the week to move it or lose it.”<br /><br /><br /><br />So went the 911 conversation with our CPC sister inquiring direction. She had happened upon the mom with infant and sensed things were not right. Over the next few days Cynthia has provided the basic necessities to mom, Michelle, and baby girl Royal. Now she needed more help.<br /><br /><br /><br />First up, a call to the Salvation Army. I was ultimately connected with a case worker, Psyche (in truth!). Best as I could, from my vantage point as a distant third party I related the story -a story Psyche likely hears a couple of dozen times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbmKIDtJ6HY/UKxnQ__27JI/AAAAAAAAAmE/pdoRADH_31Q/s1600/Help1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="94" width="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbmKIDtJ6HY/UKxnQ__27JI/AAAAAAAAAmE/pdoRADH_31Q/s200/Help1.bmp" /></a></div> daily. She picked up on the number 1, 2, and 3 absolute need - shelter, and asked I drop the family off at their headquarters, 800 Scott in Sand City for an “intake history” and appropriate placement.<br /><br /><br /><br />The long term core issue to the married couple is a car that works, that works more than just as a domicile, but runs and moves so that mom can get Royal to the doctor (multiple allergies), can drive to the food bank, and enables dad to keep up with collecting recyclables for sustenance<br /><br /><br /><br />Pam and I met Michelle and Charles today at their big bronze ‘90 Lincoln Continental grounded outside San Carlos Church. Charles, 50ish, gentle and articulate, has two broken down knees, badly in need of joint replacement, but unavailable to him. He struggles to walk. His manner was peaceful, his nature positive, his character, grateful, his love of Michelle and Royal, abundant. Michelle, 25ish, reserved, and withdrawn, was content to play mother, leaving the role of family head to Charles. And in the midst of our fellowship, it began to rain<br /><br /><br /><br />“Can you help?” The plea was simple, but at this moment of truth, my confidence was iffy. Each S.O.S. distress call is unique. I enjoy the opportunity and always manage to learn from the challenge, but score a total victory, no, and certainly nil without prayer and guidance from the Spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br />After Charles locked their two bicycles to a post, and transferred the baby car seat, we made off to meet with Psyche. Psyche was sensitive and cordial but not <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1oJQyscF4/UKxoMlognSI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/yGX0WD1bMi8/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="97" width="129" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1oJQyscF4/UKxoMlognSI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/yGX0WD1bMi8/s200/Living%2Bin%2Bcar.jpg" /></a></div> gushy. She could not fulfill the couple’s primary interest, a shelter that accommodates families. There are a limited number of shelters for the homeless in our county, a few for men, and even less for women, but none for couples with children. And Michelle and Charles are not about abandoning Royal or aborting their marriage vows for their individual self interests.<br /><br /><br /><br />The immediate solution provided was a night’s rest and shower at a local motel, one replete with a microwave oven and refrigerator (for Royal’s soybean formula – available at $3.39 a half gallon). Further, Psyche provided us with a list of low cost apartment units in the area for which the Salvation Army will help with the first month’s rent and security deposit – a solution, on the surface, not remote from Charles’ ability to handle<br /><br /><br /><br />Their long term goals are not unrealistic. They need a car that works. Charles’ knees don’t carry him further than a half block or much longer than 4 minutes. He <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAQjV65M4aw/UKxohDVuWEI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pRHgKxn17QY/s1600/Job%2Bsearch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="140" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAQjV65M4aw/UKxohDVuWEI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pRHgKxn17QY/s200/Job%2Bsearch.jpg" /></a></div> continues to apply for jobs, any job, minimum pay or otherwise, but never comes close. So he does recyclables 6 days a week. On a bad day he brings in $8 and when he’s graced, $22. <br /><br />(Charles is a Christian, was brought up Catholic, sent his first children to parochial school in Salinas, and a bible is what we’re gifting him today.)<br /><br /><br /><br />The vouchers still remaining from the Yellow Brick Road will come in handy later in the week. We’ll take Michelle, Royal, and yes, Charles, on a shopping spree there after the rains let up<br /><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile Cynthia has arranged for their own local mechanic to check out “the car that couldn’t” to assess the best price available for the block repair.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXw0lik_I1U/UKxu1gqIxOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/43ypI4bO7aQ/s1600/Help1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="94" width="138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXw0lik_I1U/UKxu1gqIxOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/43ypI4bO7aQ/s200/Help1.bmp" /></a></div> What Cynthia, Pam, and I are requesting are two items:<br /> • Can you bring your recyclables to CPC on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. Pam and I will deliver them to our new friends?<br /><br /><br /><br />• And, prayerfully, can you part with and donate your old car (that still works or needs not major repair) to our non-profit, For The Least Of Us, (fully deductible). Charles can scrape together up to $500 (if needed) in the transfer.<br /><br /><br /><br />Bill and Pam Ziering<br /><br />26033 Mesa Drive<br /><br />Carmel, CA<br /><br />831-250-7921Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-78898091959561764852012-03-25T20:15:00.001-07:002012-11-20T21:16:39.604-08:00Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-5186529560007886382012-03-25T20:47:00.000-07:002012-11-20T21:10:33.871-08:00VALENTINES DAY FEBRUARY 14, 2011<br /><br />WHO SAYS WE NEED A PRISON MINISTRY?<br /><br />JESUS! I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. (Matthew 25:36) <br /><br />ISAIAH! The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isa 61:1)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TryKweXL54A/T2_mCwalzNI/AAAAAAAAAe4/8Y1cWil2brw/s1600/David%2BDias%2Bfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="151" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TryKweXL54A/T2_mCwalzNI/AAAAAAAAAe4/8Y1cWil2brw/s200/David%2BDias%2Bfamily.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />You may have noted David and his 6 kids on Sundays celebrating with us at CPC’s 9AM services while the little ones were happily engaged in Lynda Harkins children’s service. Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed this striking Christian family at our Christmas Party 7 weeks ago. Certainly our Friday morning young men’s group knows them, they were their Angel Tree sponsor<br /><br />Having not seen David the past two weeks coupled with his not responding to my last call, Pam and I dared to make a surprise visit to their rear apartment on Amador in Seaside last night. Today, unable to get the family out of my mind, and with David’s approval, I’m going to share a bit of his story with you. Please forgive me if I don’t get all the details down precisely<br /><br />I’ve been thoroughly impressed with David from the start. On phoning each of this year’s Angel Tree families in anticipation of our Christmas gala, I learned that when his sister was incarcerated, David absorbed her 3 children into his own clan of 3 thereby making six to feed, shelter, clothe, and love. And when the sister came home, she preferred the 3 remain with David as she began her new life<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LXMgr0DqUY/UKxiDBjxYTI/AAAAAAAAAlk/0_mvV6W9oXQ/s1600/Dias%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="151" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LXMgr0DqUY/UKxiDBjxYTI/AAAAAAAAAlk/0_mvV6W9oXQ/s200/Dias%2B4.jpg" /></a></div> David is a Christian and has the Spirit clearly within him. I have never found David downbeat. His fixed joyous smile reflects his transformed heart. His faith sustains him with hope and promise. His one prayer is for the children to find the abundant life in Christ<br /><br />David was thrilled with my call; he described it as God’s answer to prayer. It signaled the intent to bring his clan to Carmel Presbyterian Church knowing that a church like ours with such outreach was right for them. His children would learn right from wrong and acquire the trust and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ<br /><br />Peaks and valleys. Joy interwoven with sorrows. Trials amidst victories. Last night we discovered David in under house arrest, serving 50 days for driving to work with a suspended license<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" And we believe that "anyone" includes prisoners (Prison Fellowship)<br /><br /> Left behind in a prison of their own are the wives and families. Sometimes they lose their home, their car and are burdened with impossible debt –unable to furnish the bare necessities. They are often treated as co-conspirators, shunned in their own humiliation; their children commonly suffer separation anxiety grasping at their mother’s apron strings <br />Daily work<br /><br /> We function as an emergency responder 24/7 when cases fall through the cracks. Our referrals come from the Monterey jail, Prison Fellowship, homeless shelters, churches, private parties, and the frightened subjects themselves. While we are a faith-based not-for-profit 501c3 ministry, with a preeminent focus in coming aside the women and children left behind we are equally available to all who call regardless of faith, color, nationality, sex, or age. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />98% of our attention is with the women and children left behind. The process towards incarceration is emptying. The toll taken is incomparable. It is depleting socially, emotionally, physically, and financially. Death sometimes seems a more welcome option. When mom or dad is in prison, it’s the children who do the hard time. Their support system has been summarily stripped. They appear to have no defense. That is until Jesus comes knocking at the family door<br /><br /><br />The Board of For The Least Of Us, has been most responsive to this calling in a variety of ways, with their unique gifts. We next meet on Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 pm in the Board Room of the Monterey Airport .Please come and share your thoughts with us.. We welcome your input .<br /><br />Bill and Pam Ziering Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 In His serviceBill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-3818994799850928832011-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:002012-11-20T20:50:30.213-08:00Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-85962082769697464362012-11-08T20:03:00.001-08:002012-11-20T16:38:46.079-08:00SENTENCING: IS ANYTHING MORE SCARY? <p>I was in Court today for a sentencing, thankfully to witness this time, not to defend. A dark spirit filled chamber where seemingly a roll of the dice can <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1ZNxbngSgM/UKwcfgJ3yPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RR01UvAswP8/s1600/Judge%2Bin%2Bcourt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1ZNxbngSgM/UKwcfgJ3yPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RR01UvAswP8/s200/Judge%2Bin%2Bcourt.jpg" /></a></div> determine who goes home tonight and who, handcuffed, returns to the Monterey jail. Pam accompanied me, just as she did time and time again a dozen years ago. We came because Sara*, 26, asked us to. Via email, her court appointed attorney had relayed the request. As it was, none of her once close family or yesterday’s friends showed up, an experience I knew well enough. <p>We met Sara two years ago at a mandatory PACT meeting (A community reentry program for parolees). There, roughly two dozen local non-profit agencies tout their services to help ease the painful transition back into the community (job training, shelter availability, counseling, skills development, facilities for food and clothing etc). Of the hundred or so attending Sara alone made a beeline to us. After a 3 year incarceration she was excited but fearful, anticipating her coming out event. <p>We learned she was a Carmel High graduate, came from a professional family, and had attended Carmel Presbyterian Church. That info more than excited us too. We laid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsHYEIjPTUg/UKwcu59eg8I/AAAAAAAAAjo/aZeiNbYNtUo/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="75" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsHYEIjPTUg/UKwcu59eg8I/AAAAAAAAAjo/aZeiNbYNtUo/s200/logo.jpg" /></a></div> plans for her reentry, promised support, and pledged to ease her reintroduction back into her community. It never happened. She missed our set appointments. Calls to her family were not returned. <p>Enter God. <p>Our ministry, For The Least Of Us, had signed up for Carmel Pres’ recent Worship <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-SC91wzJY/UKwdGEJYmKI/AAAAAAAAAj0/LlW9OyqADx8/s1600/Worship%2Bin%2BAction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="149" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ-SC91wzJY/UKwdGEJYmKI/AAAAAAAAAj0/LlW9OyqADx8/s200/Worship%2Bin%2BAction.jpg" /></a></div> in Action outreach event, We pitched the membership to prepare dinners for five to be delivered to our Angel Tree families. Eight stepped forward – one being Sara! <p>The replies drifted in by mail. Shamefully, I didn’t recognize her name. On D day for the food drop off at the Church parking lot we came up one short. Sara was a no show. Indecisive, it was a coin toss on what to do. But after dialing in the Holy Spirit, I telephoned her. She had forgotten. Having gone through a tedious root <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkVuj0Gh50g/UKwdmW2W5wI/AAAAAAAAAkA/WjWJQbn_EGc/s1600/teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkVuj0Gh50g/UKwdmW2W5wI/AAAAAAAAAkA/WjWJQbn_EGc/s200/teeth.jpg" /></a></div> canal procedure the day before, she had confined herself to bed and overslept. How repentant Sara, offering a make up for the following day, week or whenever, and even suggesting substituting some house cleaning, baby sitting, dog walking or whatever. I left reassured we’ll catch her in September at our next event. <p>Shortly thereafter I awakened to an epiphany. Just happening to be visiting Pacific Grove, I somehow chanced to pick up the PG Bulletin, and surprisingly caught a local tidbit – Sara was back in jail, involved in an accident, caught fleeing and found to be DUI. With God pointing the way, I was to have the privileged opportunity to share the Gospel once more Sara was not joyful to see me. Visitations with inmates are restricted to one hour a week. So fearful of being rejected I had decided to show up unannounced believing the Spirit would sustain the moment. I was wrong; Sara was expecting her brother, a law student, who would be giving her pointers on how to testify. Apologetic, in total embarrassment, I started to leave; compassionate, Sara asked me to stay awhile longer. <p>I requested she keep in touch, volunteered to testify in her behalf, and suggested her brother call me. It didn’t happen. Once again I was set adrift. Sorrowful it was over I turned to other matters. That is until yesterday’s out of the blue request. <p>In court, Sara was too self preoccupied to share more than a rare glance towards Pam and me. Hers was one of the last cases to be tried, each more disturbing than the other. One 37 year old stoop farm worker with perfect on the job attendance had been pressured by both the agency and a niece to sign off on a car that titillated the youngster. As might have been ordained, it was now in default, and auntie was arrested. Her attorney did a good job in pleading her case, but it went for naught, and right there in the courtroom she was handcuffed and marched off to jail amidst her silent tears. Pam went over to her attorney to offer a contribution towards payment of her overpowering court fees <p>Before sentencing Sara, the judge asked if there were any witnesses in her behalf. Surprised at the invitation, and aware I would not forgive myself later if I missed the opportunity, I volunteered. Thereupon I was led to an open area alongside the railing but still considerably distant from the judge. Uncomfortable because I <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhS4KQlSBi0/UKwhzH9QAKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/HqD5YEQDrIA/s1600/images%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="148" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhS4KQlSBi0/UKwhzH9QAKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/HqD5YEQDrIA/s200/images%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div> couldn’t clearly hear his instructions I became additionally flustered. Following a quickie make shift prayer, I asked Him to lead me with my testimony. <p>I reviewed my contacts with Sara and more significantly hers with me. At each step, just when hope seemed irretrievable, Sara miraculously had come forward. Finally, I explained having made contact with Genesis, a local non-profit providing yearlong intensive residential therapy for those with addictive problems and happily discovered Sara is a suitable candidate for admission for which our ministry can help shepherd. <p>Thereafter the Judge postponed the sentencing rescheduling to later in the month. <p>On leaving the courtroom, the case prosecutor caught up with us, giving thanks for our presence, and message. He expressed appreciation both for our activity towards Sara’s successful reentry, and more importantly for making him aware that Sara has made demonstrable her heart has signs of faith and goodness <p>*Sara is a pseudonym for her given name <p>Bill and Pam Ziering For The Least Of Us, Inc 26033 Mesa Drive Carmel, CA 93923 831-250-7921 ziering@pacbell.net <p>For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com <p>And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9) Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-10196936190762282262012-11-20T13:24:00.000-08:002012-11-20T14:25:16.318-08:00 November 19, 2012 Late Fall edition <b>TWO WEEKS LATER</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIdZqa_W3hQ/UKvzg-v9OcI/AAAAAAAAAhM/asAt1-r8lCY/s1600/I%2Blove%2Bdady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="95" width="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIdZqa_W3hQ/UKvzg-v9OcI/AAAAAAAAAhM/asAt1-r8lCY/s200/I%2Blove%2Bdady.jpg" /></a></div> <p>A 5 star general couldn’t program this operation better. And since I no longer believe in luck or worldly miracles it must be another God thing <p>Here’s the “breaking news” story. Dad is returning home in just 6 weeks. After surviving a 5 year separation from his family, he’s to be released from prison on New Year’s Days, in faith, the first day of his new and improved life. A true born-again experience <p>For the initial 58 months few dramatic events were noted. The prison experience was like treading water. For the day’s excitement, dad blackened another “X” over the numbered date. <p>Then Jesus took over. For over the last 2 months successions of small events have been noted. •<p> In preparation for dad’s reentry , his own dad and mom, have taken up residence at Pastor Mike Casey’s “Most Excellent Way” – a rousing evening service attended by about 100 drop-ins seeking solutions for their destructive habits. Who tags along sans a struggle but Joshua (pseudonym) age 14, the eldest of the 3 left behind children. Why? Because he loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family“The Most Excellent Way” The Christian Solution for Addictions: JESUS! <p>• In preparation for dad’s reentry, the extended family has successfully coaxed Pastor Mike to consider dad for admission to the Bridge, a Christian residential facility in Pacific Grove. Just the right ticket for dad to reclaim his life and to free himself of his demons. Who has been at the center of the<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJD8ylRbr1Q/UKv0NXcTzmI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p4dfEQxEigk/s1600/thebridge-logo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="109" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJD8ylRbr1Q/UKv0NXcTzmI/AAAAAAAAAhY/p4dfEQxEigk/s200/thebridge-logo2.jpg" /></a></div> persuasion to win over dad’s agreement? Joshua of course. Why? Because He loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family. <p>• In preparation for dad’s reentry, Joshua came with me to Carmel Presbyterian Church’s youth group service this morning. Josh’s awareness of scripture comes from way back. He’s heard of Adam and Eve, can’t recall ever being in church, and is mixed up on the meaning of Christmas. Yet with considerable apprehension and much hand wringing, Joshua courageously came to church with me this morning and we arrived but 15 minutes late. Why? Because he loves and misses his dad and wants to be part of the restorative effort for reconciling the family. <p>• Joshua’s Good Samaritan neighbors who in a wink took him in when mom took off are not believers, and haven’t attended church since heaven knows when. Well believe it or not, they’re coming to CPC services next Sunday. Why? They don’t want to be left out of the process. If Joshua can do it for dad, they can do it for Joshua. This thing is building momentum. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mfozVQe6Uk/UKv0yl4O2rI/AAAAAAAAAhk/iHFQ7Z7LJn8/s1600/Green%2Bchurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="91" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mfozVQe6Uk/UKv0yl4O2rI/AAAAAAAAAhk/iHFQ7Z7LJn8/s200/Green%2Bchurch.jpg" /></a></div> <p>• Joshua’s grandma too will attend next Sunday. She actually bumped me as the presenter of the 2 minute testimony on the rewards for sponsorship of an Angel Tree family. She should know; she’s been on ends, a donor and a recipient. <p>• Then to show that miracles never cease, in the excitement of it all, she has convinced Jedd, her husband to retake their wedding vows again next month. A worldly born- again experience, only this time, better than ever. <p>Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 In His service <p>For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9) Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-33312217212283024922012-11-08T20:29:00.000-08:002012-11-20T14:21:18.497-08:00WAITING FOR DAD September 29, 2012 Fall edition <p>Call him hardheaded, call him what you will, Josh*(pseudonym) didn’t care, he was <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5g5JE8ZzFY/UKv3GjpM7BI/AAAAAAAAAhw/E4LwlDnY4T4/s1600/scooter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="109" width="73" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5g5JE8ZzFY/UKv3GjpM7BI/AAAAAAAAAhw/E4LwlDnY4T4/s200/scooter.bmp" /></a></div> standing firm. “I’m not leaving. It’s OK for sister and brother to move in with grandma, but I’m 14, in high school, have my friends, and can take care of myself”. Grandma Ruth* lives a million miles away, and I’m not going, and that’s it! <p>For The Least Of Us met the Clarks* last year while preparing for our annual Angel Tree Christmas celebration. Dad, in the home stretch of his 5 year prison term, had signed on for us to see that his 3 kids not miss out this one last time before the family got back together. <p>It didn’t turn out that way. Mom had a nice job but was playing incognito. Few knew of her personal life and she fiercely aimed to keep it secret. She wasn’t a happy camper. And she made it abundantly clear she had no intention of being on display attending the party. <p>Grandma to the rescue. She popped into the old jalopy, moseyed down to Monterey, picked up the children, and joined the other “left behind families” at the gala. After all the children were adorable, happy, and well loved and granny intended to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnstMR-8f3s/UKv3qXWgqWI/AAAAAAAAAh8/P-ogIX_W-Us/s1600/One%2Blittle%2Bgirl%2Band%2Btwo%2Bbig%2Bpresents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnstMR-8f3s/UKv3qXWgqWI/AAAAAAAAAh8/P-ogIX_W-Us/s200/One%2Blittle%2Bgirl%2Band%2Btwo%2Bbig%2Bpresents.JPG" /></a></div> keep it that way. <p>Mom’s mom, Ruth had lived locally, but when the economy tightened up, she moved upstate. Still Ruth couldn’t let go. Each summer break, for the past five years, the children would vacation with her at the ranch. The other 9 months were filled with daily phone conversations and monthly visits. Angel Tree proved a turn off for mom. She couldn’t risk being seen and identified as a prison family. Once more enter angelic Ruth. She would whisk the children to our annual Christmas gala replete with song, treats, fellowship, gifts, and an opportunity to cover little Jesus at the Nativity scene. Dad would be proud. <p>As the countdown to dad’s coming out ticked away, mom began falling apart. Forgiveness wasn’t a big ticket item with her. In fact while dad pined away for a second chance at family restoration, mom continued her hiding out even towards him. Dad however never gave up hoping, writing and calling. Rarely was he rewarded. <p>About a couple of months ago, the family situation hit rock bottom. Mom apparently fell back to her old self, took up with a stranger, didn’t come home many nights, and left the refrigerator bare too often. Her tardiness at work got her fired and last week she was evicted from her rental. Today, no one knows her whereabouts. <p>Ruth took the two little ones to live with her; Josh stubbornly refused to go along. So God sent three more angels - Dad’s dad, a compassionate neighbor couple, and the staff at Josh’s high school. Among them were temporary adoption, supervision, shelter, food, clothing, and a ton of love and devotion. <p>This weekend the two local families and Josh will be heading up to the ranch where the little sister will be baptized. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rU42IcDgYvc/UKv4GPH80yI/AAAAAAAAAiI/u3-nSnQ4vvw/s1600/Worship%2Bin%2BAction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="149" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rU42IcDgYvc/UKv4GPH80yI/AAAAAAAAAiI/u3-nSnQ4vvw/s200/Worship%2Bin%2BAction.jpg" /></a></div> <p>Even Carmel Pres is getting into the act. With Worship in Action Sunday just 2 days hence, a number of families are providing meals for all. In this case the workers are not few. Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas in neigh. <p>Dad will be released on January 1 and while he has a good job waiting, he will need a term of rehabilitation, restoration, and reconciliation. We are exploring the possibilities, and with God’s help, it will happen. Bill and Pam Ziering Ziering@pacbell.net 831-250-7921 For The Least Of Us”, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9) Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-51170679383209705932011-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:002011-03-05T17:58:12.286-08:00CHRISTMAS 2010December 21, 2010<br /><br />The annual Angel Tree Christmas party at Carmel Presbyterian Church last week celebrated the kickoff of our yearlong personal relationship with our beleaguered neighbors in Seaside, Marina, PG, Monterey, and Carmel whose families has been caught up in the justice system<br /><br />At the initiative of the “confined” parent, Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship forwarded us a list of local families so affected. We were able to match each of these Angel Tree families with individuals and small groups from our and local churches to commemorate the birth of our Savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. In a program of fellowship, prayer, song, stories, dining, culminating with a visit from Santa laden down with needed clothing, bare necessities, toys, games, and electronics for the teen technocrats<br /><br />Taking a cue from last year, the present crop of Angel Tree families may look forward to monthly house calls from families bearing cheesy pizzas,, excursions to the Monterey Aquarium, walks along the seaside, picnics at the beach, shopping at the Yellow Brick Road, pocketing of bus tokens, assistance with repair of appliances and autos, birthday gifts, greeting cards, phone calls of encouragement, visits to Burger King, home cooking as our honored guests, fuel for work, chauffeuring, respite care, and objects of our discipleship with, invitations to accompany us to Saturday Mens fellowship, Women in the Word, Sunday services, and participation in our children and youth groups <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />TESTIMONIALS (Well worth the tears)<br /><br />David caught our introductory phone call while running errands. True to his word, he called right back on parking his truck. Yes, yes, he had been waiting for a call such as this. On the “internment” of his sister, without a second thought, he assumed care of her 3 children to blend with his own three. Having been through the system himself in his youth, David knew how critical to get the children to church, a youth group, and Christian fellowship. <br /><br />In follow- up calls, David was joyfully beside himself, impatiently awaiting our Angel Tree Christmas party and the start of something special for his enlarging brood<br /><br />On arrival of our king-sized Monarch Bus, David was impressive to spot, he was replete with Sunday suit, shirt, tie, and all, so very ready to greet the Lord’s day<br /><br /> *******************************************************<br /><br />Yahanoe and Ahnaya came to the party last year with grandma. She had been raising the two in mom’s absence. Ralph and Gail, their sponsors, had been keeping in touch throughout the year, generously feting them on their birthdays. All were looking forward to their reunion this Christmas<br /><br />Unfortunately life has it twists. Precious grandma suddenly died. Nowhere were we able to locate the children’s current whereabouts. That is, until Ralph had the bright idea of checking out last year’s school. Bingo, a connection, just 3 weeks before our Christmas gala <br /><br />Happily mom had recently “come out” and the family, now together, moved to Salinas. But, the demons weren’t about to let good news prevail; things were about to again scramble<br /><br />Follow-up reminder calls were greeted with disconnected phone messages. Rumor had it that the family had moved back to Seaside. Total despair; so close but yet so far <br /><br />It was then that God’s will prevailed, for out of nowhere Ahnaya’s cell phone number appeared and on calling, she intuitively remembered me, and was thrilled to learn we hadn’t given up on them<br /> <br />She pledged the whole family would be there at the Boys and Girls Club awaiting the bit bus at 2 PM, December 11th some 5 days hence. Amazingly, in that narrow window of time could you believe the family had moved again – now to Sacramento? So we were to miss them at the party<br /> <br />The following day, in resignation, while dropping the gifts at Auntie’s house I was to receive another surprise, only this time, something nice. Mom was due back in town that very afternoon to clear out the last of their belongings. And that very night I received the loveliest of calls from her, blessing Ralph and Gail for staying the course with them and once again blessing Yahanoe and Ahnaya with still another memorable Christmas. She ended the conversation with wishes they might meet again somehow, somewhere, sometime but soon<br /><br />Surely, working with this family has been a lesson to the resiliency of Godly families in confronting trials and tribulations when once snagged in the justice system, but still emerging OK<br /><br />MORE<br /> <br />The party must not be over. One young woman called yesterday asking if she’s too late for help with Christmas. Earlier in the day, while standing in line at the grocers, bemoaning prospects of a lean Christmas, she was overheard. The eavesdropper promptly provided her with our home number. She never got a chance to thank the good Samaritan for the latter disappeared in the blink of an eye<br /><br />She’s 20 and has a 9 month old boy. And with Christmas just around the corner, she had made a number of calls to service agencies only to be told they too were having a hard time this year<br /><br />Lecretia grew up under Grandma’s watchful eye. Mom had been killed before Lecretia was walking, and dad took off soon thereafter. Lacretia too, will soon be moving on, for Grandmother recently died, and Grandpa, with his wife gone, isn’t able to adapt to rug rats. Lecretia comes across as a survivor, asking only for warm clothing for her son, confessing that he has found all the toys he needs. He’s content to bang away on pots and pans.<br /><br />CONDLUDING REMARKS <br /><br />It’s been a good start. Parties and gifts do bring cheer and comfort, and we did have a fine neighborhood communion of brothers and sisters in the name of Christ. Now the work begins <br /><br />“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)<br /><br />Angel Tree provides an opportunity to disciple the Good News right here in our backyard <br /><br />Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt22:36-40)<br /><br />It is our calling to reach out to our neighbors without there being a time limit. These Angel Tree families braved coming to our Church in trust. They came to believe we wished to partner with them in some form as extended family. How rewarding the opportunity to be in relation with them throughout the year in love<br /><br />“"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For The Least Of Us<br />Bill and Pam Ziering<br />26033 Mesa Drive,Carmel, CA 93923<br />831-250-7921Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-54746120855673216742010-05-09T08:59:00.001-07:002010-05-09T08:59:02.320-07:00LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF<span xmlns=''><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'> <span style='color:#3366ff; font-size:14pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p>April 20, 2010<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>LW, 26, cautiously ambled over to our booth during the mandatory monthly parolee meeting in Salinas, finding Pam's presentation <em>on For The Least Of Us</em> relevant and sensitively delivered. This was her first week out after spending four and a half years in prison. Communication was more than difficult what with sixty-five parolees, a dozen officers, and twenty representatives from the non-profit agencies gathered too closely together at the speaker's table, struggling to discover something of value in the despair of their desperate lives.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>We reconnected again later that evening; only this occasion was even less fruitful as LW's cell phone kept cutting in and out. We derived this much. She did graduate from Carmel High, had lived with her family in their upscale Pebble Beach home, and has a highly achieving sister now the lead attorney in her firm. Meanwhile Loretta was now living in Carmel apart from her family who were still reliving the pain from five years ago. All of which piled on even more guilt and self-depreciation in Loretta's shattered ego.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Pam and I are vainly attempting to come aside Loretta and bring her into our church family. <em>Family Matters</em> with Christina seems just right, as does one of Brian's home churches. How good it would be for a team of mentors to arise. Loretta seems to crave acceptance, desires fellowship, and to experience the unconditional love of Jesus.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Her pledge to meet us at Church this Sunday failed. We offered a ride, but was rejected. Attempts to reach LW through her sister have not yet worked. We'll back off for a week or two then try again. Maybe starting with a paid visit to her sister's office.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Rochelle, about 45, hasn't been seen since the last rain. No rain, no Rochelle. Mrs D, on Atherton, the former proprietor of an acclaimed Carmel restaurant, has arranged her garage for both Rochelle and her dog – an inseparable pair. They've been doing this for years . Going to a shelter is out of the question. Rochelle wouldn't part company with her pooch for all the creature comforts of man. This week all the goodies prepared for by this gourmet chef were left untouched. Ditto for the dog. Mrs. D knew the family. They once had great wealth. The mom has moved out of state to parts unknown, while the brothers have nothing more to do with Rochelle. What happened is both a mystery and sad. Twenty years ago Rochelle and Mrs D ran in the same circles; Rochelle was engaged to the D's best friends, then something bad happened. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Mrs D left $50 out for Rochelle last week. When the rains came a few days later, Rochelle drove up in a taxi for which Mrs D paid the bill. Where the money went isn't known.</span><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span><span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Neither Mrs D nor Pam and I know what to do. Past efforts to board the dog with us while Rochelle moves into a rehab shelter failed. We're both given to more prayer than usual. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Charles, Michelle, and Royal are faring much better. Michelle has come out of her shell and, in trust, spends a fair amount of her day, texting Cynthia, The long and short of it is her intentions to have Royal not relive her own lifestyle. Charles is working, thanks to Dr Kirk. Last reports he's doing about four hours of good work cleaning up the weeds and brush of Kirk's old residence. Then too, Bob, also from the Men's Saturday Mens' Fellowship is going to have Charles build him a fence. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Meanwhile Charles has struck it well with HUD and its Housing Resource Center. They'll be providing a house of the Murray's finding for a four month stay while the case manager works with Charles to improve his fuller restoration. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>This will dovetail with our connecting the family with Pueblo Del Mar. It's a two year program with a supplied house and a full program for successful reentry. There Charles with a job in hand, will be continuing with Recovery on a weekly basis. I'll be tagging along at Pastor Mike Casey's highly engaging Monday sessions at Calvary Chapel. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>What's particularly appealing is none of the above programs are a free ride. Charles will pay as he goes. And while the non-profits pay the lion share, the Murrays contribute their fair share and get involved in the program activities<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Meanwhile Cynthia's bible group is dropping off warm and appetizing dinners to the Murrays on a scheduled basis. Independently, ditto Joanna and her thoughtful family<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Helen, from our church, asked assistance for her dear friend down in Glendale whose daughter, now 62, was recently imprisoned at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla. There almost 4,000 women are incarcerated, some lifers, some short timers. (The facility was built to accommodate 2,024 inmates). The problem: Nary a word has been heard from the daughter, Maureen, on this, her first incarceration almost three months ago.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>I got in touch with a member of our church whose daughter knows the system there from having spent a good many years there. It turns out, that the initial 90 days, while in "receiving", no telephone calls are permitted and only a few mailings are permitted. There are essentially zero options. Thereafter, one is "classified" and the first order of the day is a gratis phone call to family while in the counselor's presence. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Meanwhile, Helen's friend was left the number of the "A Yard Watch Captain" to let the daughter know her mother misses her with the love of Christ.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:#4f81bd; font-family:Batang; font-size:12pt'><strong><em>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></em></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>Carmel, CA 93923<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:12pt'>831-250-7921<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong><em>For The Least Of Us", Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com<br /></em></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span> </p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-41064778293749103802010-05-09T08:54:00.001-07:002010-05-09T08:54:08.677-07:00PEN-PAL gives HOPE<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 72pt'> \<span style='color:#3366ff; font-size:14pt'>P<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 72pt'><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 72pt'><br /> </p><p> <br /></p><p><span style='font-size:20pt'><strong>PEN –PAL: </strong></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'>A much appreciated source of encouragement and friendship to a lonely prisoner. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><span style='color:black'><strong>STORY</strong> <a title='Visit Prison in an Envelope' href='http://www.prisonfellowship.org/images/content/prison_fellowship/documents/revised_visit_prison_envelope.pdf'/></span>Visiting Prison in an Envelope<span style='color:black'><em> </em><br /> </span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>PLAYERS</strong> Pastor Mike Harbert <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'> Inmate Michal Evans<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'> Inmate Willie Johnson<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'> Pen-Pal Bill Ziering<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>ONSET</strong> August, 2009<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>OPENING</strong> Michael Evans, a Christian, wishing to connect with a Church outside the"wall", wrote to CPC. Pastor Mike passed the message to our ministry.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'>EXCERPTS<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>Ziering (8/09</strong>) </span>Pastor Mike Harbert at our church, Carmel Presbyterian Church, passed your name on to us. We are members there too, and my wife and I team lead two ministries, <em>For The Least Of Us</em> (devoted mainly to the wives and children whose man is incarcerated) and the <em>Coalition of Churches for Reentry and Restoration.</em>(a consortium of 16 churches in Monterey County). I too, a former physician, served 6 months at the Atwater Camp, 9 years ago, never imagining I'd wind up dedicated to saving souls rather than bodies.<br /></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'> </span><br /> </p><p>I understand you are a "Believer" and are a member of the "choir" there at Salinas Valley. Bravo! Having faith is what got me through our trials.Frankly, my "Summer Camp Atwater" was worth the experience, giving up "some time" to gain an eternity with him.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> ************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (Thanksgiving day</strong>) I've been here 15 years and it's starting to get old. I am very bored and lonely. No friends and no one to write to……..I am a born again believer in Christ <em>(<span style='color:black'>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come<span style='font-family:Verdana'>!(</span>2 Cor 5:17)</span></em> I grew up in the Church playing the organ and piano, but then<span style='color:black'> made some foolish mistakes…..I always stress to the choir we must live the life we sing about…..My release date is 2020 if it's God's will. . Please continue to write and pray for me.</span> <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> ************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (12/27/09)</strong> Praise God! He has blessed me with another year of life. Soon I will be 56 and although 15 years have been spent here at Salinas Valley State Prison, I have met some great guys who I have ministered to………….I am at peace and very happy I got Jesus back into my heart…….. Our choir is breaking up due to a deficit in funding for an officer to baby sit us while we rehearse…..Can you help me with the purchase of a CD player and headphones so I can listen to my Christian CD's. I'm a bit short and if you can contribute half, I can pay you back with doing a portrait of your family or whatever scene you prefer. It's a talent I picked up here at Soledad.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> **************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (1/26/10)</strong> Hi Bill. I pray this letter finds you blessed. As for me, I am OK and continue to live saved. God has been good to me helping my sick back to heal with less pain as I am shunted in and out of the hospital……….. I am ready to draw for you whenever you are ready.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> **************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (2/8/10)</strong> Hi Bill, I haven't heard from you for awhile. I pray you are well and in good spirits. I no longer have money problems, so you don't have to contribute to my CD player. One of my brothers was released and gave me his gear and sent me $100 too. But I do welcome your letters, they're so inspirational. Remember the drawing I promised to do for you, and please know there is no charge. If I am able to help someone, that's my purpose in life.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> <br /></p><p> ***************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Ziering (2/19/10)</strong> Brother Michael - so sorry for the delay. I waited for our Board to release some funds to help you get to your Christian music. They did and I've already ordered the approved unit to be forwarded to you. We can empathize with your joy in music. Our church choir is one of the highlights of our worship service each Sunday, something we couldn't possibly do without.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> ****************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (2/24/10)</strong> Praise your ministry! I have 9 CD's to listen to now during my good and not so good days. Now I'm pretty much complete and happy. Praise God. Please let the Board know they have made my day, month, and year! Please continue to write.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> ****************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Evans (4/08/10)</strong> I am so happy right now more than you will ever know……..I'll send you a visiting form too. Maybe you can come visit me. I haven't had a visit in 15 years. I may not know how to act. Respectfully, Michael.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> *****************************************************<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><strong>Johnson (4/25/10)</strong> My name is Willie Johnson. I am Mr. Evans cell mate. He went to the hospital on April 20<sup>th</sup> and hasn't yet returned. When he received your gift he was so happy. That was the first time I've seen him smile in a long time. He's been in great pain with his bad back. He's such a cool guy claiming God has been good to him even with his bum back. The choir is waiting for his return. He plays the piano and without him there's no music. …… I too need a pen-pal. I've been here 23 years. My mom and sister have pass away so I have nobody in my life so if you wish to write me too, it's all good. Have a nice day. Willie Johnson. <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:#4f81bd; font-family:Batang'><strong><em>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></em></strong></span></p><p>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></p><p>Carmel, CA 93923<br /></p><p>831-250-7921<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong><em>For The Least Of Us", Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit faith-based Christ centered prison ministry (EIN 26-1361229, DLN 17053351309017). Web site: fortheleastofus.blogspot.com<br /></em></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><em><br /> </em></span> </p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-86647117033272845552010-04-11T23:26:00.001-07:002010-04-11T23:26:59.341-07:00CAN YOU HELP<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 72pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><span style='color:#3366ff; font-family:Palatino Linotype; font-size:22pt'> </span><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 432pt'>March 30, 2010<br /></p><p>"Can you help?"<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>"There's this homeless couple with the most adorable 1 year old, living in their car which is about to be compounded. It doesn't run, needs a lot of unaffordable work, and is stuck there in front of a church." The police have given them until the end of the week to move it or lose it." <br /></p><p>So went the 911 conversation with our CPC sister inquiring direction. She had happened upon the mom with infant and sensed things were not right. Over the next few days Cynthia has provided the basic necessities to mom, Michelle, and baby girl Royal. Now she needed more help.<br /></p><p>First up, a call to the Salvation Army. I was ultimately connected with a case worker, Psyche (in truth!). Best as I could, from my vantage point as a distant third party I related the story -a story Psyche likely hears a couple of dozen times daily. She picked up on the number 1, 2, and 3 absolute need - shelter, and asked I drop the family off at their headquarters, 800 Scott in Sand City for an "intake history" and appropriate placement.<br /></p><p>The long term core issue to the married couple is a car that works, that works more than just as a domicile, but runs and moves so that mom can get Royal to the doctor (multiple allergies), can drive to the food bank, and enables dad to keep up with collecting recyclables for sustenance<br /></p><p>Pam and I met Michelle and Charles today at their big bronze '90 Lincoln Continental grounded outside San Carlos Church. Charles, 50ish, gentle and articulate, has two broken down knees, badly in need of joint replacement, but unavailable to him. He struggles to walk. His manner was peaceful, his nature positive, his character, grateful, his love of Michelle and Royal, abundant. Michelle, 25ish, reserved, and withdrawn, was content to play mother, leaving the role of family head to Charles. And in the midst of our fellowship, it began to rain<br /></p><p>"Can you help?" The plea was simple, but at this moment of truth, my confidence was iffy. Each S.O.S. distress call is unique. I enjoy the opportunity and always manage to learn from the challenge, but score a total victory, no, and certainly nil without prayer and guidance from the Spirit.<br /></p><p>After Charles locked their two bicycles to a post, and transferred the baby car seat, we made off to meet with Psyche. Psyche was sensitive and cordial but not gushy. She could not fulfill the couple's primary interest, a shelter that accommodates families. There are a limited number of shelters for the homeless in our county, a few for men, and even less for women, but none for couples with children. And Michelle and Charles are not about abandoning Royal or aborting their marriage vows for their individual self interests.<br /></p><p>The immediate solution provided was a night's rest and shower at a local motel, one replete with a microwave oven and refrigerator (for Royal's soybean formula – available at $3.39 a half gallon). Further, Psyche provided us with a list of low cost apartment units in the area for which the Salvation Army will help with the first month's rent and security deposit – a solution, on the surface, not remote from Charles' ability to handle<br /></p><p>Their long term goals are not unrealistic. They need a car that works. Charles' knees don't carry him further than a half block or much longer than 4 minutes. He continues to apply for jobs, any job, minimum pay or otherwise, but never comes close. So he does recyclables 6 days a week. On a bad day he brings in $8 and when he is graced, $22. <br /></p><p>(Charles is a Christian, was brought up Catholic, sent his first children to parochial school in Salinas, and a bible is what we're gifting him today.)<br /></p><p>The vouchers still remaining from the Yellow Brick Road will come in handy later in the week. We'll take Michelle, Royal, and yes, Charles, on a shopping spree there after the rains let up<br /></p><p>Meanwhile Cynthia has arranged for their own local mechanic to check out "the car that couldn't" to assess the best price available for the block repair.<br /></p><p>What Cynthia, Pam, and I are requesting are two items<br /></p><ul><li>Can you bring your recyclables to CPC on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. Pam and I will deliver them to our new friends?<br /></li><li><div>And, prayerfully, can you part with and donate your old car (that still works or needs not major repair) to our non-profit, For<em> The Least Of Us</em>, (fully deductible). Charles can scrape together up to $500 (if needed) in the transfer. <br /></div><p><br /> </p></li></ul><p>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></p><p>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></p><p>Carmel, CA<br /></p><p>831-250-7921<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-7703714945410447752010-03-30T14:43:00.001-07:002010-03-30T14:43:39.956-07:00CAN YOU HELP?<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 72pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><span style='color:#3366ff; font-family:Palatino Linotype; font-size:22pt'> </span>March 30, 2010<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>"Can you help?"<br /></p><p>"There's this homeless couple with the most adorable 1 year old, living in their car which is about to be compounded. It doesn't run, needs a lot of unaffordable work, and is stuck there in front of a church." The police have given them until the end of the week to move it or lose it."<br /></p><p>So went the 911 conversation with our CPC sister inquiring direction. She had happened upon the mom with infant and sensed things were not right. Over the next few days Cynthia has provided the basic necessities to mom, Michelle, and baby girl Royal. Now she needed more help <br /></p><p>First up, a call to the Salvation Army. I was ultimately connected with a case worker, Psyche (in truth!). Best as I could, from my vantage point as a distant third party I related the story -a story Psyche likely hears a couple of dozen times daily. She picked up on the number 1, 2, and 3 absolute need - shelter, and asked I drop the family off at their headquarters, 800 Scott in Sand City for an "intake history" and appropriate placement<br /></p><p>The long term core issue to the married couple is a car that works, that works more than just as a domicile, but runs and moves so that mom can get Royal to the doctor (multiple allergies), can drive to the food bank, and enables dad to keep up with collecting recyclables for sustenance<br /></p><p>Pam and I met Michelle and Charles today at their big bronze '90 Lincoln Continental grounded outside San Carlos Church. Charles, 50ish, gentle and articulate, has two broken down knees, badly in need of joint replacement, but unavailable to him. He struggles to walk. His manner was peaceful, his nature positive, his character, grateful, his love of Michelle and Royal, abundant. Michelle, 25ish, reserved, and withdrawn, was content to play mother, leaving the role of family head to Charles. And in the midst of our fellowship, it began to rain<br /></p><p>"Can you help?" The plea was simple, but at this moment of truth, my confidence was iffy. Each S.O.S. distress call is unique. I enjoy the opportunity and always manage to learn from the challenge, but score a total victory, no, and certainly nil without prayer and guidance from the Spirit<br /></p><p>After Charles locked their two bicycles to a post, and transferred the baby car seat, we made off to meet with Psyche. Psyche was sensitive and cordial but not gushy. She could not fulfill the couple's primary interest, a shelter that accommodates families. There are a limited number of shelters for the homeless in our county, a few for men, and even less for women, but none for couples with children. And Michelle and Charles are not about abandoning Royal or aborting their marriage vows for their individual self interests<br /></p><p>The immediate solution provided was a night's rest and shower at a local motel, one replete with a microwave oven and refrigerator (for Royal's soybean formula – available at $3.39 a half gallon). Further, Psyche provided us with a list of low cost apartment units in the area for which the Salvation Army will help with the first month's rent and security deposit – a solution, on the surface, not remote from Charles' ability to handle<br /></p><p>Their long term goals are not unrealistic. They need a car that works. Charles' knees don't carry him further than a half block or much longer than 4 minutes. He continues to apply for jobs, any job, minimum pay or otherwise, but never comes close. So he does recyclables 6 days a week. On a bad day he brings in $8 and when he's graced, $22. <br /></p><p>(Charles is a Christian, was brought up Catholic, sent his first children to parochial school in Salinas, and a bible is what we're gifting him today.)<br /></p><p>The vouchers still remaining from the Yellow Brick Road will come in handy later in the week. We'll take Michelle, Royal, and yes, Charles, on a shopping spree there after the rains let up<br /></p><p>Meanwhile Cynthia has arranged for their own local mechanic to check out "the car that couldn't" to assess the best price available for the block repair<br /></p><p>What Cynthia, Pam, and I are requesting are two items:<br /></p><ul><li><div>Can you bring your recyclables to CPC on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. Pam and I will deliver them to our new friends?<br /></div><p><br /> </p></li><li><div>And, prayerfully, can you part with and donate your old car (that still works or needs not major repair) to our non-profit, For<em> The Least Of Us</em>, (fully deductible). Charles can scrape together up to $500 (if <br /></div><p>needed) in the transfer.<br /></p><p><br /> </p></li></ul><p>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></p><p>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></p><p>Carmel, CA<br /></p><p>831-250-7921<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-6649080302685676742010-03-28T11:03:00.001-07:002010-03-28T11:03:58.696-07:00A CHURCHES RESPONSE TO THE PRISON FAMILY<span xmlns=''><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><h1><span style='color:black'><span style='font-size:24pt'>Welcome to Overcomers: A post-prison Ministry In The Church</span><br /> </span></h1><p><span style='color:black'><strong><span style='font-size:13pt'>P.O. Box 403<br/>Browns Plains<br/>Brisbane, Qld 4118<br/>Australia<br/>3800 5813</span> <span style='font-size:13pt'><br/>Australia<br/>3800 5813<span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><br /> </span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:13pt'><strong>Mentoring Program Within The Local Church<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>The Need:- Many of the inmates and ex-offenders I have spoken with, both as I ministered to them and as I have come in contact with them during my work in the community have expressed a profound knowledge of the lack of support "on the outside". <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>They usually are scared to death of what they will face and have expressed the fact that there is a need for a major support group for all ex-offenders. Their main fear in recidivism is the "abrupt transition back into society". In most cases there is no preparation given to them for this. It is just open the gate, shove 'em out, slam the gate behind them with a "you'll be back" attitude. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Often if the ex-offender has served a long term of five years or more, everything they knew has changed and they feel completely lost. The biggest problem most ex-offenders face is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection by people within the Church because of where they have been and the reasons behind it. The ex-offender will often confront the pressures and prejudices of friends and family. They often have a low self-esteem and feelings of failure, hopelessness, suspicion and apathy. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Most leave prison with the same problems they had when they entered. Some have added problems that have developed whilst incarcerated. Such things as family breakdowns, enemies they may have made whilst living in close quarters whilst incarcerated, what to do with their lives from here on in, how they will survive and more. Many have to now face a world they faced before they went into prison, a world where they see no other options other than to commit another crime to survive. A world where no one will care about them or understand them or their needs. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>These facts are a major contributing factor to a high rate of re-arrest across Australia. Even perhaps, world-wide. Statistics from state governments in Australia place the recidivism rate at anywhere from 50-80% on average. The failure of the Corrective system to truly rehabilitate inmates world-wide is well documented. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Therefore it is up to the Church to go well beyond the scope of many government and secular programs and to develop faith-based solutions to the problem of recidivism. Many studies have been made into this problem (one major study being carried out by the Washington Post, October 4 1997, and made public, the fact that there was a major failure in this arena even with special programmed courses for inmates in place. This is so in many cases of ex-offenders in Queensland's Correctional system. It has been found through research that Christian faith-based programs greatly reduce recidivism among their participants. This still however, does not fully eradicate the problem. It is up to the Church to ever look for the means to do this through the extending of the love of Jesus to these folk. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Both men and women. Overcomer's program is designed to have a major role in this area. Mentors General description: Mentors do not necessarily need to be trained counselors although if they are it is even better, but mostly they need to understand the needs of these people as they reintegrate into society. The mentors will need to be friends who will show they truly care for the well being and self-esteem and Spiritual growth of the ex-offender, bearing in mind that they will be working not only with Christians, but leading others to Jesus who have sought assistance as they come to the realization that they are in need of a mentor and assistance. All mentors undergo a training program which will equip them for this work. This training will be undertaken at various venues as both numbers and time permits. It will also incorporate ongoing training as the need arises. Mentors are responsible for providing support, encouragement and guidance to ex-offenders participating in the reintegration program by meeting with them regularly to listen and to share knowledge and experience. Both mentor and participants will have input into determining with whom they will be placed. Their placement will be with the denomination of their choice. It is also an excellent opportunity for students who wish to become involved with this work in the Pastoral Care practicums of their studies and future Ministry through working alongside Overcomers staff. The mentors can be from a variety of backgrounds ranging from psychology to Theology students and those who have at some time been incarcerated in a correctional center (a twelve month probationary period alongside of a proven mentor would be required in this latter). <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>This is not a ministry for what is often termed the "do-gooder". This is a very serious and important ministry and there must be a definite calling upon one's life to minister Christ to the fullest in this arena. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in assisting the ex-offender to follow a life void of crime and full of Christ. The mentor should not be one who feels they would not be able to maintain confidentiality in their dealings with individual ex-offenders. They should also minister only to those of their own gender, except in the case of qualified psychologists or counselors and then only in the company of another person. For this reason it saves both time and effort in an emergency situation when an ex-offender needs immediate attention.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Qualifications for Mentors 1. Must believe in the program and the participant 2. Must be relationship-oriented, especially in relationship Evangelism. 3. Must understand ex-offenders and the problems they face. 4. <strong><em>Must be able to encourage and support without creating dependency</em></strong>. 5. Must be a responsible Christian fellowshipping regularly at a local Church. 6. Must be drug free and crime free for at least 1 year prior to appointment. 7. Must be approved by local Church leaders, with personal Pastoral reference. 8. Must reside in or within quick traveling distance of an area where Overcomers is operational. 9. Must be prepared to be called on a 24 hour basis if and when required. (This would be screened by a volunteer, 24 hour answer service). Responsibilities 1. Initiate and maintain contact with the participant in prison and after release; encourage the participant to feel free to call the mentor. 2. Visit participant at least once Bi-weekly. To write to the participant whilst they are still incarcerated or call at least once per week by telephone upon their release until the participant no longer requires their assistance. 3. Maintain contact with the participant for at least six months. Upon agreement by both parties, their relationship can be continued beyond this six month period. 4. Help the participant develop a life plan and obtain resources necessary for survival. The participant is to be encouraged to take the major role in this development. 5. Give general support as the participant goes through with his/her plan. 6. <strong><em>Avoid personal financial involvement</em></strong>. Overcomers support of Mentors. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Mentors will receive support from the program in the following ways: 1. An orientation meeting will be held to meet other mentors, review responsibilities and answer questions. This will be done by meeting together with the Chaplains of various Centers to develop a plan of action for the particular participant since the Chaplain will be the initial contact and will usually have a firsthand understanding of the individual ex-offender concerned. 2. The Project Coordinator will interview the mentor by appointment on a monthly basis to evaluate the mentor/participant relationship. 3. Regular meetings will be held for mentors to discuss problems and exchange ideas in problem solving and ongoing training as new methods are developed. 4. If a mentor relationship develops serious problems, which can happen to the best of them, Senior staff will help solve the problem where possible or after discussion with all parties concerned, will terminate the relationship and where possible, appoint a new mentor to the case. 5. Mentors will have available to them a resource list of shelters, release houses, emergency food sources, job leads (through both a list developed by Overcomers and an appointed local employment agency), etc. 6. Initial and on-going training will be provided for interested mentors in local Church settings. 7. For confidentiality purposes, mentors will be able to use Overcomers address or telephone number if they do not wish to disclose their own, however it is preferred that at least one other contact telephone number is used for emergency purposes. Overcomers Need:- To support this ministry, like everyone else, we have the need for prayer and financial partners. Please prayerfully consider this aspect of perhaps the most important ministry to the ex-offender.... that of continued discipleship according to the mandate in Matthew 28:20. <br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><span style='font-size:12pt'>Remembering that in today's society there is a need for financial support for a ministry to continue and meet the daily need. For further details on how you can become a support partner and for prayer needs please feel free to contact us by email. Donations are best sent by cheque or money order to our office. As a Church fellowship, you might like to consider our "Gold Coin" option...If each Church member donated a gold coin once per week toward this ministry, imagine what God could do in discipling these folk in a year. Please feel free to contact us and we will advise of further details involving this area. Thank you for taking the time to read this page and please do come visit us again. Mentor and financial support partner applications can be made directly to our office. 192 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains, Brisbane 4118 Telephone 617(07)3800 5813 Facsimile (07) 3809 0707 Email: Overcomers@mpx.com.au</span><span style='font-size:13pt'> <br /></span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>FOR THE LEAST OF US<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>Carmel, CA<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>831-250-7921<br /></span></p><p><a href='mailto:ziering@pacbell.net'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>ziering@pacbell.net</span></a><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'>fortheleastofus.com<br/></span></p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-10204925570947941102010-03-27T12:01:00.000-07:002010-03-27T12:01:19.953-07:00<w:sdt contentlocked="t" id="89512093" sdtgroup="t"> </w:sdt><br /><div style="background: #FDEB9F; border: solid #FDBD5E 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid #FDBD5E .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;"> <div class="PublishStatus" style="background: #FDEB9F;">This post was published to For The Least Of Us at 11:19:37 AM 3/27/2010<w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div></div><w:sdt docpart="24E5E84626664FA6ADC3605770E44057" id="89512082" storeitemid="X_5B7BB1F4-F1B2-47DA-8087-F954F415AA9F" text="t" title="Post Title" xpath="/ns0:BlogPostInfo/ns0:PostTitle"> <div class="Publishwithline">THE CHURCH: AUTHENTICITY<w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div></w:sdt> <div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 2.0pt 0in;"> <div class="underline"><br /></div></div><div class="PadderBetweenControlandBody"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: .7pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100.0%;"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;"> <div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0080c0; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><a href="http://www.religion-online.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">return to religion-online</span></a></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">The Call to Prison Ministry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">by Kenneth L. Carder<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Kenneth L. Carder is a bishop in the United Methodist church in Nashville, TN. This article appeared in&nbsp;<i>The Christian Century</i>, October 3, 2006,</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65RjH_tx_I/AAAAAAAAAW4/GH09D0BlL74/s1600/Judge+in+court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65RjH_tx_I/AAAAAAAAAW4/GH09D0BlL74/s200/Judge+in+court.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_0" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Judge in court.jpg" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0; margin-top:10.9pt;width:70.05pt;height:99pt;z-index:1;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0; mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0; mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg" o:title="Judge in court"/> <w:wrap type="square"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">When I was a newly ordained pastor in 1966, I heard a speech by a federal judge that significantly shaped my life and ministry. The judge said that he kept in contact with every person he sentenced to prison. His rationale for writing or visiting inmates was simple: he didn’t want his only impact on an individual to be the act of denying his or her freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">This highly regarded jurist then said, "Pastors should be as familiar with the inside of the local jails and prisons as they are the local hospitals." He observed that most people who are hospitalized have a strong support system and are surrounded by people devoted to their healing and well-being. By contrast, people housed in jails and prisons receive minimal support, and the people around them are mostly committed to confining and punishing them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Though as a pastor I had visited hospitals almost daily, I had never been inside a jail. Within a few weeks of hearing that judge’s challenge. I made my first visit to the county jail. I reluctantly and anxiously entered a world often hidden from and ignored by congregations and pastors. There I met more than law enforcement officers and inmates. I met the One who said, "I was in prison and you visited me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65Szx2-7-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ojJCwVzOTKQ/s1600/Sulkikng+in+prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65Szx2-7-I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ojJCwVzOTKQ/s320/Sulkikng+in+prison.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">The incarcerated are among the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. Approximately 4,500 are added to the prison population each month. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2004, there are more th</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Good Friday, Jesus in Prison" style='position:absolute; margin-left:72.5pt;margin-top:0;width:112.5pt;height:105pt;z-index:2; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:center; mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg" o:title="Good Friday, Jesus in Prison"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">an 2.2 million inmates in the nation’s jails. The 2004 figures reflect a record 32-year continuous rise in the number of inmates. The U.S. incarceration rate of 724 per 100,000 residents is the highest in the world. The rate of incarceration has quintupled since 1971. Prisons and jails are grossly overcrowded, with no relief in sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Prison ministries are usually relegated to specialized groups such as Prison Fellowship or Kairos. Inmates are seldom on the regular visitation schedules of pastors. Government-funded prison chaplains are relied upon to provide pastoral care and religious services to inmates. Very few local jails have chaplains. While many dedicated chaplains serve in prisons, they are often seen as hired hands of the department of corrections, and they often lack the trust of inmates.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65TaNir6SI/AAAAAAAAAXI/q1h5MSgN61A/s1600/overworked-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65TaNir6SI/AAAAAAAAAXI/q1h5MSgN61A/s200/overworked-150x150.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">For pastors, finding the time to add prisoners to the list of those to be visited is a challenge. Personal fear and lack of confidence in relating to the criminal-justice system creates understandable hesitation and resistance. Entering the unfamiliar world of inmates entails moving outside comfort zones, and those who desire to do so will receive little encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Hostility and prejudice toward the incarcerated are impediments to ministry. The criminal justice system is dominated by notions of retribution, vengeance, punishment and isolation. The core values of the Christian gospel -- forgiveness, compassion, redemption, reconciliation, restorative justice -- run counter to prevailing sentiments in the justice system.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="overworked-150x150.jpg" style='position:absolute; margin-left:0;margin-top:4.9pt;width:103.5pt;height:103.5pt;z-index:3; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg" o:title="overworked-150x150"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Pastors and congregations engaged in prison ministry often meet bureaucratic resistance. Prison staffs are overworked, underpaid and undervalued, and they work in a high-stress environment. They are among those who need the ministry of the church. Building trust among the staff is essential for access and effectiveness in any prison ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Though the obstacles are formidable, the potential benefits to pastors and congregations are substantial. And much is at stake: faithfulness to Christ’s mandate and mission, renewal of the church’s witness and ministry, the theological integrity of the church’s proclamation, the spiritual vitality of pastors, and the well-being of more than 2 million inmates and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Prisons and jails present in microcosm the challenges confronting the church and the world -- racial polarization, economic disparity and poverty, terror and violence, drug and alcohol abuse, personal and family brokenness, isolation and loneliness, anger and meaninglessness and guilt. Behind the walls of every prison and jail are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors -- all persons made in the divine image who, like the rest of us, have distorted that image and who long for love, reconciliation and purpose. Ministry in such contexts of intense needs and opportunities can energize and shape ministry in the broader society where the same realities exist in less concentrated form.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65UEHRcJyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/GPwj8S0TTLc/s1600/tattoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65UEHRcJyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/GPwj8S0TTLc/s320/tattoo1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Inmates and their families have shaped my own experience and understanding of the gospel. During my first jail visit a young man asked to speak with me privately. Ed was a muscular man whose arms were covered with tattoos. On his left arm was inscribed Born to </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="tattoo1.jpg" style='position:absolute;margin-left:36.5pt;margin-top:26.65pt;width:76.5pt; height:87.75pt;z-index:4;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0; mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0; mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.jpg" o:title="tattoo1"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Lose, and on his other arm, Born to Raise Hell. He immediately blurted out, "How do I get God in my life?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">"Why,", I asked, "do you want God in your life? What difference do you think that would make?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">For the next several minutes he shared his life’s story of abuse, foster homes, repeated incarcerations for drunkenness, theft and larceny. He then added sorrowfully, "I’ve obviously made a mess of my life. I want to amount to something. I’ve hurt a lot of people and I ain’t worth shit."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I responded, "Ed, you don’t have to get God in your life. God is already present in you. Your guilt and regret, the longing to make something of your life, the desire for a sense of worth -- that is God’s presence with you. We can begin by thanking God for being present in those feelings and desires and then open your whole life to that Presence."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">What theologians call prevenient grace took on new meaning in that conversation. I learned that we never take God anywhere; we find God already present.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Ed helped me learn early on that the Christian gospel must be more than a theological abstraction; it must be embodied. How was Ed </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="img_1266260513742_61.jpg" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:98.6pt;height:73.5pt; z-index:5;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:bottom; mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg" o:title="img_1266260513742_61"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">to know the meaning of love when all he had known was rejection? How was he to understand forgiveness when vengeance and retribution had dominated his experience? How was he to experience the worth and dignity rooted in grace when he felt worthless?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65U2vDW_PI/AAAAAAAAAXY/IPTSOsLuToE/s1600/img_slide-11+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65U2vDW_PI/AAAAAAAAAXY/IPTSOsLuToE/s320/img_slide-11+(1).jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">After several visits, Ed asked, "Can you introduce me to a man in your church who can show me what it’s like to be a Christian?" That opened the door for congregational involvement. I introduced him to a person in the congregation who subsequently involved others in baking cookies and providing reading material for inmates and organizing occasional worship services.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Some of my most profound theological insights, transforming experiences and enduring friendships have come out of my relationships </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="220px-Eye_of_a_Needle.jpg" style='position:absolute; margin-left:27.5pt;margin-top:6.4pt;width:67.5pt;height:71.25pt;z-index:6; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image011.jpg" o:title="220px-Eye_of_a_Needle"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">with&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">incarcerated persons. Inmates have plenty of free time, and artwork can be a popular pastime. Several men who occupied the same cellblock in one county jail were particularly adept at creating cartoons. I provided them copies of the New Testament in a modem translation and asked them to read the parables and sayings of Jesus and identify those that lent themselves to cartoon portrayal. The result was a collection of insightful portrayals of the blind leading the blind, a rich man trying to go through the eye of a needle, a man removing the speck from another’s eye while a log was protruding from his own, and the laying up of treasures where moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. The cartoons led to long hours of discussion of the teachings of Jesus that would rival most seminary classes for passion and depth of insight.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Involvement with prison and jail ministries keeps the pastor focused on life-and-death matters. Leaving the "free world" and entering the world behind prison walls tends to strip one of pretense and superficial preoccupations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65VImHYRdI/AAAAAAAAAXg/FqbjBLGKcuo/s1600/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65VImHYRdI/AAAAAAAAAXg/FqbjBLGKcuo/s320/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">No place confronts us with life-and-death challenges like death row. Relationships with the condemned and those whose job is to guard them and execute them are among the most intense and transformative pastoral relationships. Capital punishment ceases to be an abstract political, ethical and theological issue. Being present with persons who are awaiting execution, along with their families and the families of the victims of violence, pushes the pastor to the edges of faith and stability.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Bill has been a friend since I met him on death row more than 20 years ago. We have shared many experiences -- his retrial and resentencing (to life in prison) and my changes in pastoral assignments. When I was elected bishop he called me from prison to say, "Finally, an American election that turned out right."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65Vw-NLVwI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FnnXpncMF2w/s1600/pastor+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S65Vw-NLVwI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FnnXpncMF2w/s320/pastor+visit.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Bill is always forthright, insightful and compassionate. When I asked him if any pastors or people from local churches ever visited his prison, which houses approximately 3,000 people, he said, "I’ve been in this prison six years and I haven’t seen a preacher yet, and I’m not aw</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="pastor visit.jpg" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:103pt;height:77.25pt; z-index:7;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:center; mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image013.jpg" o:title="pastor visit"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">are of any churches that are involved here." I had passed several churches of various denominations along the rural west Tennessee road that leads to the sprawling prison complex.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Since I now help to educate and form pastors in seminary, I asked Bill, "What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a pastor?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">He replied, "Integrity, consistency and dependability." By integrity he meant that there should be congruity between the pastor’s proclamation of the gospel and the pastor’s life. Consistency, for Bill, involves treating people consistently with respect, compassion and dignity regardless of their status or condition. Dependability is "doing what you say you will do." He added that over his more than 25 years of incarceration he had seen many pastors and church people promise, with good intentions, to visit, but "only a handful can be depended on to stick around very long." Such unfulfilled promises add to the cynicism and disillusionment of inmates.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="correctional1.jpg" style='position:absolute;margin-left:71.7pt;margin-top:-.35pt;width:111.7pt; height:103.5pt;z-index:8;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0; mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0; mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:margin'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image015.jpg" o:title="correctional1"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Unless it is involved with the people in jails and prisons, the church will surely lack integrity, consistency and dependability.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h3><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Bill and Pam Ziering<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">26033 Mesa Drive<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Carmel, CA<o:p></o:p></span></h3></td> <td style="padding: .75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt; width: 29.94%;" width="29%"> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-20957108821033126962010-03-27T11:19:00.001-07:002010-03-27T11:19:31.844-07:00THE CHURCH: AUTHENTICITY<span xmlns=''><p><br /> </p><div style='text-align: center'><table border='0' style='border-collapse:collapse'><colgroup><col style='width:439px'/><col style='width:189px'/></colgroup><tbody valign='top'><tr><td style='padding-top: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-right: 1px' vAlign='middle' colspan='2'><p style='text-align: right'><a href='http://www.religion-online.org/'><span style='color:blue; font-family:Arial; font-size:13pt; text-decoration:underline'>return to religion-online</span></a><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:24pt'><strong>The Call to Prison Ministry<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:13pt'>by Kenneth L. Carder<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><span style='font-size:10pt'>Kenneth L. Carder is a bishop in the United Methodist church in Nashville, TN. This article appeared in <em>The Christian Century</em>, October 3, 2006, pp. 25-29. Copyright by the Christian Century Foundation; used by permission. Current articles and subscriptions information can be found at <a href='http://www.christiancentury.org/'/></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='color:blue; text-decoration:underline'>www.christiancentury.org.</span>This material was prepared for Religion Online by Ted and Winnie Brock.<br /></span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>When I was a newly ordained pastor in 1966, I heard a speech by a federal judge that significantly shaped my life and ministry. The judge said that he kept in contact with every person he sentenced to prison. His rationale for writing or visiting inmates was simple: he didn't want his only impact on an individual to be the act of denying his or her freedom.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>This highly regarded jurist then said, "Pastors should be as familiar with the inside of the local jails and prisons as they are the local hospitals." He observed that most people who are hospitalized have a strong support system and are surrounded by people devoted to their healing and well-being. By contrast, people housed in jails and prisons receive minimal support, and the people around them are mostly committed to confining and punishing them.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Though as a pastor I had visited hospitals almost daily, I had never been inside a jail. Within a few weeks of hearing that judge's challenge. I made my first visit to the county jail. I reluctantly and anxiously entered a world often hidden from and ignored by congregations and pastors. There I met more than law enforcement officers and inmates. I met the One who said, "I was in prison and you visited me.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>The incarcerated are among the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. Approximately 4,500 are added to the prison population each month. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2004, there are more than 2.2 million inmates in the nation's jails. The 2004 figures reflect a record 32-year continuous rise in the number of inmates. The U.S. incarceration rate of 724 per 100,000 residents is the highest in the world. The rate of incarceration has quintupled since 1971. Prisons and jails are grossly overcrowded, with no relief in sight.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Prison ministries are usually relegated to specialized groups such as Prison Fellowship or Kairos. Inmates are seldom on the regular visitation schedules of pastors. Government-funded prison chaplains are relied upon to provide pastoral care and religious services to inmates. Very few local jails have chaplains. While many dedicated chaplains serve in prisons, they are often seen as hired hands of the department of corrections, and they often lack the trust of inmates.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>For pastors, finding the time to add prisoners to the list of those to be visited is a challenge. Personal fear and lack of confidence in relating to the criminal-justice system creates understandable hesitation and resistance. Entering the unfamiliar world of inmates entails moving outside comfort zones, and those who desire to do so will receive little encouragement.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Hostility and prejudice toward the incarcerated are impediments to ministry. The criminal justice system is dominated by notions of retribution, vengeance, punishment and isolation. The core values of the Christian gospel -- forgiveness, compassion, redemption, reconciliation, restorative justice -- run counter to prevailing sentiments in the justice system.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Pastors and congregations engaged in prison ministry often meet bureaucratic resistance. Prison staffs are overworked, underpaid and undervalued, and they work in a high-stress environment. They are among those who need the ministry of the church. Building trust among the staff is essential for access and effectiveness in any prison ministry.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Though the obstacles are formidable, the potential benefits to pastors and congregations are substantial. And much is at stake: faithfulness to Christ's mandate and mission, renewal of the church's witness and ministry, the theological integrity of the church's proclamation, the spiritual vitality of pastors, and the well-being of more than 2 million inmates and their families.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Prisons and jails present in microcosm the challenges confronting the church and the world -- racial polarization, economic disparity and poverty, terror and violence, drug and alcohol abuse, personal and family brokenness, isolation and loneliness, anger and meaninglessness and guilt. Behind the walls of every prison and jail are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors -- all persons made in the divine image who, like the rest of us, have distorted that image and who long for love, reconciliation and purpose. Ministry in such contexts of intense needs and opportunities can energize and shape ministry in the broader society where the same realities exist in less concentrated form.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Inmates and their families have shaped my own experience and understanding of the gospel. During my first jail visit a young man asked to speak with me privately. Ed was a muscular man whose arms were covered with tattoos. On his left arm was inscribed Born to Lose, and on his other arm, Born to Raise Hell. He immediately blurted out, "How do I get God in my life?"<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>"Why,", I asked, "do you want God in your life? What difference do you think that would make?"<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>For the next several minutes he shared his life's story of abuse, foster homes, repeated incarcerations for drunkenness, theft and larceny. He then added sorrowfully, "I've obviously made a mess of my life. I want to amount to something. I've hurt a lot of people and I ain't worth shit."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>I responded, "Ed, you don't have to get God in your life. God is already present in you. Your guilt and regret, the longing to make something of your life, the desire for a sense of worth -- that is God's presence with you. We can begin by thanking God for being present in those feelings and desires and then open your whole life to that Presence."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>What theologians call prevenient grace took on new meaning in that conversation. I learned that we never take God anywhere; we find God already present.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Ed helped me learn early on that the Christian gospel must be more than a theological abstraction; it must be embodied. How was Ed to know the meaning of love when all he had known was rejection? How was he to understand forgiveness when vengeance and retribution had dominated his experience? How was he to experience the worth and dignity rooted in grace when he felt worthless?<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>After several visits, Ed asked, "Can you introduce me to a man in your church who can show me what it's like to be a Christian?" That opened the door for congregational involvement. I introduced him to a person in the congregation who subsequently involved others in baking cookies and providing reading material for inmates and organizing occasional worship services. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Some of my most profound theological insights, transforming experiences and enduring friendships have come out of my relationships with incarcerated persons. Inmates have plenty of free time, and artwork can be a popular pastime. Several men who occupied the same cellblock in one county jail were particularly adept at creating cartoons. I provided them copies of the New Testament in a modem translation and asked them to read the parables and sayings of Jesus and identify those that lent themselves to cartoon portrayal. The result was a collection of insightful portrayals of the blind leading the blind, a rich man trying to go through the eye of a needle, a man removing the speck from another's eye while a log was protruding from his own, and the laying up of treasures where moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. The cartoons led to long hours of discussion of the teachings of Jesus that would rival most seminary classes for passion and depth of insight. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Involvement with prison and jail ministries keeps the pastor focused on life-and-death matters. Leaving the "free world" and entering the world behind prison walls tends to strip one of pretense and superficial preoccupations.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>No place confronts us with life-and-death challenges like death row. Relationships with the condemned and those whose job is to guard them and execute them are among the most intense and transformative pastoral relationships. Capital punishment ceases to be an abstract political, ethical and theological issue. Being present with persons who are awaiting execution, along with their families and the families of the victims of violence, pushes the pastor to the edges of faith and stability.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Bill has been a friend since I met him on death row more than 20 years ago. We have shared many experiences -- his retrial and resentencing (to life in prison) and my changes in pastoral assignments. When I was elected bishop he called me from prison to say, "Finally, an American election that turned out right."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Bill is always forthright, insightful and compassionate. When I asked him if any pastors or people from local churches ever visited his prison, which houses approximately 3,000 people, he said, "I've been in this prison six years and I haven't seen a preacher yet, and I'm not aware of any churches that are involved here." I had passed several churches of various denominations along the rural west Tennessee road that leads to the sprawling prison complex.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Since I now help to educate and form pastors in seminary, I asked Bill, "What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a pastor?"<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>He replied, "Integrity, consistency and dependability." By integrity he meant that there should be congruity between the pastor's proclamation of the gospel and the pastor's life. Consistency, for Bill, involves treating people consistently with respect, compassion and dignity regardless of their status or condition. Dependability is "doing what you say you will do." He added that over his more than 25 years of incarceration he had seen many pastors and church people promise, with good intentions, to visit, but "only a handful can be depended on to stick around very long." Such unfulfilled promises add to the cynicism and disillusionment of inmates. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'>Unless it is involved with the people in jails and prisons, the church will surely lack integrity, consistency and dependability.<br /></span></p><p><h3>Bill and Pam Ziering<br /></h3></p><p><h3>26033 Mesa Drive<br /></h3></p><p><h3>Carmel, CA</h3></p></td><td style='padding-top: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-right: 1px' vAlign='middle'><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'> </span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:13pt'><br/></span> </p></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-42267779128654321142010-03-26T07:58:00.001-07:002010-03-26T08:39:15.626-07:00NO WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU?<span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6zMq3_HIgI/AAAAAAAAAV4/qdEmujRKVhc/s1600/Hands+before+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6zMq3_HIgI/AAAAAAAAAV4/qdEmujRKVhc/s320/Hands+before+cross.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">FOR THE LEAST OF US</span></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Restoring Families and&nbsp;Challenging Churches&nbsp;</span></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></i></b></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13pt;"><strong>Invisible prison</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Inmates' families face many challenges</strong><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">By <span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://cquick.agblogger.org/about">Christina Quick</a></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6zS6uRVwfI/AAAAAAAAAWo/QzOMKN25B_Y/s1600/img_slide-11+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6zS6uRVwfI/AAAAAAAAAWo/QzOMKN25B_Y/s320/img_slide-11+(1).jpg" /></a><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Ann Edenfield Sweet never expected to be the wife of a prison inmate.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The former cheerleading captain and college homecoming queen married a commercial airline captain who seemed to share her Christian faith. They and their four children lived in a spacious home in suburban Albuquerque, N.M., and actively participated in a local church.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">But on Aug. 5, 1986, Sweet received a phone call that changed her life. Her husband had been arrested, taken to jail and charged with drug trafficking. Unaware he had ever engaged in illegal activities, the news stunned Sweet.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"The old me really died that day," she says. "In many ways, I became a different person."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately, Sweet took on a new identity in the eyes of others as well. As news of the arrest spread, friends and neighbors avoided her. Parents no longer allowed their children to play with her young sons. She was asked to resign as a Cub Scout leader. She says even members of the church she and her husband had attended for 12 years kept their distance.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"Unless you've lived through it, you don't know what it's like to have people turn the other way and not return your wave when you pull into the cul-de-sac," Sweet says. "As far as other people were concerned, my children and I were the guilty ones."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">With four boys between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, Sweet's troubles had just begun. Within hours of her husband's arrest, the family's assets were seized. Sweet discovered while trying to buy groceries that she no longer had access even to her checking account.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"I literally became penniless overnight," she says.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Sweet took a low-paying position working with youth at a large, downtown church. There she encouraged other women and children dealing with the stigma of a family member's incarceration.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"My faith was the only thing that kept me going, and I tried to share that with others," Sweet says.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Six years into her husband's prison sentence, Sweet learned he had been approved for early parole and could be released in five months.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">When Sweet told the new senior pastor her family soon would be reunited, she thought he would be happy for her. Instead, she says, he told her he could no longer be her pastor.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"I started sobbing," she says. "I felt like this was the second church that didn't want me. I knew God wasn't kicking me out, but when a pastor rejects you and you no longer feel welcome in church, you're tempted to think that way."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Sweet left the church and took a job with an audiobook publishing company. She also launched a new ministry to help families such as hers make positive connections with local churches. Wings for LIFE hosts parties for inmates' families and provides Christmas gifts, school supplies and other items for their children.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Sweet has written a book, <em>Family Arrested: How to Survive the Incarceration of a Loved One</em>, to help others navigate the penal system and the challenges of having a family member behind bars.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"It took me more than 13 years to be able to talk about my husband's incarceration and the impact it's had on my family without crying," Sweet says. "My greatest freedom was in finally letting go of that pain and giving it to God."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Though Sweet and her husband remained together four years after his release, the union eventually failed.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Studies have shown incarceration takes a heavy toll on marriage. Marriages that survive a prison sentence often dissolve after the spouse's release.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Scott Jett, director of Shapes Mentoring Program, an Assemblies of God outreach for inmates' children in southwest Missouri, says families of the incarcerated are a largely unreached mission field.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"Unfortunately, many people in the church are afraid to open themselves up to vulnerability," Jett says. "They're worried someone might steal from them or take advantage of them. But many times, what these families need most is to feel accepted and valued."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Jett says families of inmates face "invisible bars" that can dramatically affect their quality of life. Most live below the poverty line, and studies indicate children of inmates may be at increased risk of being incarcerated during their lifetimes.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"They feel isolated and abandoned," Jett says. "There are financial and emotional issues. And there is intense shame. To be the spouse or child of an inmate is to wear a label no one wants."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Manuel Cordero, a Colora, Md.-based national correctional ministries representative for Assemblies of God U.S. Missions, agrees.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"They're treated like they are also inmates, as if they are bad by association," Cordero says. "They're marginalized and ostracized. The greatest tragedy is when that happens in the church."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Amelia Velazquez says discipleship is crucial in helping inmates' families get past obstacles society and circumstances may place in their paths. She says her relationship with Christ provided an anchor when her husband went to prison on a drug conviction shortly after she became a Christian.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"What makes it difficult for women who don't have a relationship with God is not having a purpose for the future or knowing what the future holds," she says. "With God, you have hope and you can have the courage to continue."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Velazquez says becoming involved in ministry herself also helped her cope. Throughout her husband's incarceration, she led a ministry at a women's prison.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"You really are serving time with the person inside," she says. "But you can't wait for that person to get out of prison to begin your life. You have to get involved with something that will bring fulfillment and help shift your focus from your problems to the needs of others."<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Velazquez and her husband, Alex Velazquez Jr., beat the odds by keeping their marriage intact. Alex Velazquez accepted Christ as Savior during his four years in prison. The two now serve as pastors at Oasis City Church, an AG congregation in Philadelphia.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"I know what it's like to go to Christmas parties and be the only person there without a spouse," Amelia Velazquez says.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Yet she says God's presence was enough for her during that time. She tells other women she mentors that just as God was with the biblical patriarch Joseph during his imprisonment, He wants to help families of prisoners break through every barrier that stands in their way. &nbsp;<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">"A relationship with God is the starting point for true freedom," she says.<br /></span></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-50575999280142060642010-03-24T21:05:00.001-07:002010-03-24T21:38:28.039-07:00COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER<span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""><div style="margin-left: 72pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="color: #3366ff; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rjIHtpCMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/SrHORtb9hn0/s1600/Hands+before+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rjIHtpCMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/SrHORtb9hn0/s320/Hands+before+cross.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FOR THE LEAST OF US</span></i></b></span></span><br /><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Challenging Churches and restoring families</span></b><b><i><br /></i></b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><strong><span style="font-size: 20pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">RUMINATIONS</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></strong></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rkkk0_GqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/lji_cLMzEzI/s1600/I%27m+speechless.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rkkk0_GqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/lji_cLMzEzI/s200/I%27m+speechless.JPG" width="200" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><strong>America's criminal justice system<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><strong>Misguided</strong></span><br /><br /><strong>Crime is considered more an act upon the State than upon a victim, a violation justifying punishment <br /></strong><br /><strong>Victims are used more as witnesses for the State rather than assisted for their loss <br /></strong><br /><strong>Deprived of their careers, offenders are unlikely to find a suitable job. Payment of their restitution takes precedence over repayment to the victim <br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><strong>Ever escalating costs of present system<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>One in 32 adult currently under supervision <br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>13 million incarcerated<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>Almost 1 million inmates released each year<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>$25,000 cost to imprison each inmate each year<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>$50,000 cost to imprison each inmate on death row each year<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>$600,000,000 cost of building another new prison<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 20pt;"><strong>It's been a poor investment<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>A 70% recidivism rate is a failure rate<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>Taxpayer beware, the present system becomes more wasteful each year<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>Alternative models must be pursued in the interests of public safety, and the restoration of our communities, families and the human condition<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><strong>Restorative Justice model<br /></strong></span><br /><strong>Based on accountability, competency development, and community safety <br /></strong><br /><strong>Requires admission of guilt, willingness to participate, ability to make reparation <br /></strong><br /><strong>Focus on<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rmEivfv1I/AAAAAAAAAVo/tCh_eC1WG94/s1600/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6rmEivfv1I/AAAAAAAAAVo/tCh_eC1WG94/s320/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" /></a></div><ul><li><strong>Restoration not retribution<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Offender responsibility not guilt<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Repentance and redirection<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The debt to the victim not the state<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The future not the past<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Repair - not life-time punishment<br /></strong></li></ul><br /><br /><strong>Calls all parties—victims, offenders, communities and the government—to recognize the importance of repairing the harm caused by crime<br /></strong><br /><strong>Victim-offender mediation. Calls upon professions to facilitate restorative encounters<br /></strong><br /><strong>Reintegration. Provide means and opportunity to rejoin their communities as contributing members<br /></strong> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b> <br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;COME LET US REASON TOGETHER" (ISAIAH 2)</span></span> </em></strong></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6roB8SATjI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CnFqAT4wcW4/s1600/If+any+hear+my+voice+and+open+the+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6roB8SATjI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CnFqAT4wcW4/s200/If+any+hear+my+voice+and+open+the+door.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span xmlns=""><br /><br />Bill and Pam Ziering</span><br /><span xmlns="">26033 Mesa Drive</span><br /><span xmlns="">Carmel, CA 93923</span><br /><span xmlns="">831-250-7921<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-29076654262874135752008-03-08T14:17:00.000-08:002010-03-23T21:46:21.303-07:00Think Outside the Cage: American's In Prison<a href="http://thinkoutsidethecage2.blogspot.com/2008/03/american.html">Think Outside the Cage: American's In Prison</a>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-63662697631100623842008-02-19T19:05:00.000-08:002010-03-23T21:31:44.016-07:00ONE LINERS ON PRISON MIINISTRY<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mPFlfYgEI/AAAAAAAAAUg/-jiOSySe-c4/s1600-h/Hands+before+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mPFlfYgEI/AAAAAAAAAUg/-jiOSySe-c4/s320/Hands+before+cross.jpg" /></a><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">FOR THE LEAST OF US</span></span></span></b></i><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Challenging Churches and Restoring Families</span></i></span><br /><br /><br />.<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">..be doers of the Word, and not hearers only..." James 1:22</span></i></b><br /><br /><ul><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mTmr679zI/AAAAAAAAAUo/zvEXsMMxRCI/s1600-h/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mTmr679zI/AAAAAAAAAUo/zvEXsMMxRCI/s320/img_1266260513742_61.jpg" /></a><li>One of our volunteers put it this way: “Jesus said if you visit a prisoner you visit Me. I don’t know why it took me so long to figure out He really meant what He said!” How about you? (Mark Earley, CEO Prison Fellowship).&nbsp;</li><li><br /></li><li>Mayor Dennis Donahue, Salinas, CA, plans for cleaning up crime is three-fold: Strengthening families, increasing literacy, and providing for after school programs.</li><li><br /></li><li>Hostility and prejudice toward the incarcerated are impediments to ministry. The criminal justice system is dominated by notions of retribution, vengeance, punishment and isolation. The core values of the Christian gospel--forgiveness, compassion, redemption, reconciliation, restorative justice--run counter to prevailing sentiments in the justice system. (Pastor Kenneth Carder, Duke University)</li><li><br /></li><li>In Matthew 22:34-40, we see the Sadducees trying to trap Jesus with the question of what the most important commandment was in the law of Moses, which of course is to love the Lord your God. But then Jesus goes on to say that “…..the second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”</li></ul><br /><b><i>“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant... for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10)</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mVcUgiCDI/AAAAAAAAAVI/TBKrdE48nQU/s1600-h/Leaving+prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mVcUgiCDI/AAAAAAAAAVI/TBKrdE48nQU/s320/Leaving+prison.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mT-z5M8wI/AAAAAAAAAU4/xJf5lyPY87A/s1600-h/Tri+Crosses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mT-z5M8wI/AAAAAAAAAU4/xJf5lyPY87A/s200/Tri+Crosses.jpg" width="158" /></a><li>"There is crisis in the spiritual well being of the inmates," he continued. "If you can reach them with the word so they can see where they're at within the bounds of God, then prison becomes a more peaceful place. There's an awful lot of anger and denial brought into this place. Usually the anger is at others and at themselves. You try to point out in scripture the dangers of anger and try to get them to seek sharing their anger with the Lord because He can handle it. But if they don't know the Lord they don't know about that resource." (D. Winters, New Covenant Church, Ala)</li><li><br /></li><li>After all, 80% or more of the 2 million prisoners now "doing time" will be leaving their prison cell within the next few years. After-care and job development loom as an area of prison ministry calling for the creative commitment of the Church. Model programs have developed in the Oklahoma Conference, Central Pennsylvania Conference, and some ecumenical and community center programs. Perhaps the most critical aspect of transition back into society as constructive citizens is the involvement of ex-offenders and their families in the full life of a local congregation. This is a challenge to each of our local congregations. (Marian Styles – McClintock)</li><li><br /></li><li>Prison is a lonely life, both for the inmate and the loved ones who have to get along without him or her. It's a vicious cycle: Absent fathers and mothers create broken homes, and broken homes often lead to even more crime. So how can churches help? Former inmate Manny Mill encourages Christians to reach out to prisoners' families and offers practical suggestions for ministering to this forgotten segment of society. "I say to prisoners ... 'You have the power in Jesus Christ now to break the cycle of crime.'" - Manny Mill (President of Koinonia, a prison ministry)</li><li><br /></li><li>Dr. Richard Kern, executive director of the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Committee, described how Virginia has done away with its parole system. Their prisons had been loaded with non-violent offenders. These people are not simply turned loose after they have been found guilty. But instead of being sentenced to prison, many are sentenced to various types of work-release programs. Recidivism has been reduced to 49%</li><li><br /></li><li>Most churches today live in fear of lack of resources, the "what ifs," and have forgotten that our primary call is to "give ourselves away." We're not here for ourselves. We're here to bring good news to the poor. So instead of having a servant "lose my life" mindset, we have a fortress mentality. "Build these walls, protect these walls, and don’t let anybody in." (Pastor Jimmy Dorrell, Mission Waco)</li></ul><br /><b><i> Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth," (I John 3:18).</i></b><i><b><br /></b></i> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></b></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In His Servic</span>e</i> &nbsp;Bill and Pam Ziering &nbsp;26033 Mesa Drive, Carmel, CA93923 &nbsp;831-250-7921</span></span></span></span></b></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-63322785962553713012008-02-06T16:55:00.000-08:002010-03-23T20:50:39.834-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mJ0lZjbRI/AAAAAAAAATw/NTuP3wiZOYw/s1600-h/Newsletter+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mJ0lZjbRI/AAAAAAAAATw/NTuP3wiZOYw/s400/Newsletter+logo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">PRISON MINISTRY FORUM (CPC Jan 12, 2008) BREAKOUT POINTS <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mKG_9tlXI/AAAAAAAAAT4/x0JcyG09RUQ/s1600-h/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mKG_9tlXI/AAAAAAAAAT4/x0JcyG09RUQ/s200/logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">A letter to my church brotherhood:<br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Whereas the recidivism rate on re-entry is the same for Christians as for non-Christians (now approaching 85%) and whereas the releasee must return to his/her old neighborhood and the “friends” who prompted the original criminal behavior, it is critical that the church body come aside the family as a counterforce. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Neither the criminal justice system nor the home environments have proven helpful. The large majority of those released were sentenced for non-violent crimes and have completed their time, yet within two years most will be returned to prison on a technical “violation”, related to the lack of mentorship, family support, and inability to obtain or keep a job. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mLGL9TezI/AAAAAAAAAUA/5lBrFM7_vpA/s1600-h/Green+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mLGL9TezI/AAAAAAAAAUA/5lBrFM7_vpA/s200/Green+church.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">John Wesley defined true religion as love for God and neighbor. Wesley considered regular visitations of and friendship with the poor and imprisoned as essential to discipleship as prayer and Holy Communion. Ministry with offenders and victims, then, is not optional; it is mandatory if the church is to be the church. The church has no choice but to cast its lot with the </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">ostracized<b>, victimized, and marginalized<span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Consequently, as part of the Great Commission, it is likely a Christian imperative that each of us pledges to share our unique God given gifts with some family at this church or in this Monterey county who God loves and desperately needs our help. (In the 4 months of this ministry, the number speaking transparently of incarceration in their family swelled for “1” to “22”).<o:p></o:p></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">I believe each of you will identify one (or more) roles (as a team member) that you we might call upon when the need arises? Won’t you return this form to me with your pledge within the next day?</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><i><br /></i></span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><i>Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth," (I John 3:18).</i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><span style="font-size: 100%;">For the prisoner:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In-Prison Ministry. Unleashing Christ’s power in prisoners’ lives through “transformational discipleship.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">An adopting church (policy, staff, membership)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Prayer teams<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">PenPal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Visitations from church body<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Bibles and other Christian books<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">AngelTree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Training for re-entry. Koinonia, Kairos, etc<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Mentorship on re-entry (spiritual, physical, emotional” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Rehab on re-entry (alcohol, drugs, pornography, sexual)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Job training and opportunities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Counseling (Mental health, marriage, parenting, employment, social, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Mediation: Victim repayment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Transitional housing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><span style="font-size: 100%;">For the family left behind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mLc6nvXgI/AAAAAAAAAUI/mPohNNpyxkI/s1600-h/Reducing+crime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mLc6nvXgI/AAAAAAAAAUI/mPohNNpyxkI/s320/Reducing+crime.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">A welcoming church (staff, deacons, membership)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Emergency food<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Financial aid<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Housing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Healthy relationships as Covenant Small Groups <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Child care<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Secondhand clothing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Job training<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Schools (tutoring)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Social services, legal services, medical and dental Rx<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Business counseling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Household help<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Respite care<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Fellowship (small groups, membership)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mL-yDCDvI/AAAAAAAAAUY/NAC2-NFukjU/s1600-h/Leaving+prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6mL-yDCDvI/AAAAAAAAAUY/NAC2-NFukjU/s320/Leaving+prison.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Prayer warrior team<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">Loving mentors (professionals, membership) <br /><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><i>“</i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><i>Take tender care of those who are weak; and be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else. Always keep on praying. For this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes 5:14-19)<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><o:p></o:p></span></b>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-75539795616150985452008-07-24T20:40:00.001-07:002010-03-23T19:55:02.192-07:00Lowering Recidivism<span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l1pwEiDAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/n3V9Q-STuZc/s1600-h/graduates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l1pwEiDAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/n3V9Q-STuZc/s200/graduates.jpg" width="200" /></span></b></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>FOR THE LEAST OF US &nbsp; &nbsp;</i></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Challenging Churches and Restoring Families</span></span> &nbsp;</span></b></div><b>RE-ENTRY FACILITY</b><br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Monterey County has been awarded $80 million in state funds to renovate the present jail building in Salinas, followed by constructing a 491 bed prison re-entry facility for inmates 18 months before release. (The state grants were made available under AB 900 which provides $750 million to approved applicants). With the ever-increasing incarceration rate resulting in perpetual over-crowded and illegal conditions, the State is looking for innovative approaches to reducing crime and need for imprisonment.</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">A prison re-entry facility is being touted as one such remedy. With recidivism (return to prison) now approaching 80%, these transition facilities can prepare the inmate for a more successful adaptation back into the community.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">A practical curriculum incorporating life skill preparation, job training and procurement, counseling (mental health, spiritual, anger management) recovery programs, provision of social services, mentorship, opportunities for fellowship and support, and financial aide for basic needs, are to be incorporated within the facility as a one-stop resource. Programs to reduce recidivism benefit not only the inmates and families, but the greater community and improve public safety.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>DEMONSTRATED NEED</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;">United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world with a five-fold increase in the last 30 years. The following statistics, while frightening, explain why the current system of incarceration and release is not working and instead only compounding the problem. <sup>1, ,2</sup></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br /></div><ul><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2,271,000 inmates currently serving time.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One in 34 Americans has been in prison. </div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One in 3 African-Americans will spend time in prison.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One in 6 Latinos will spend time in prison.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">700,000 prisoners are released nationwide each year.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Most will return to prison, most unable to make a living or successfully rejoin family life.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Most marriages of prisoners end in divorce. </div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l3PiBvSwI/AAAAAAAAATA/kIDjE1vikTs/s1600-h/u18891823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l3PiBvSwI/AAAAAAAAATA/kIDjE1vikTs/s320/u18891823.jpg" /></a></div>The children of inmates are 10 times more likely to become inmates themselves.&nbsp;</div></li></ul><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Recidivism is an on-going issue that harms all parties, the inmate, his family, and the community&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><ul><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Three of four former inmates will return to prison within three years. </div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Imprisonment has proved little more than a temporary "warehousing" of criminals.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Prisons are commonly viewed as "post-graduate schools for crime".&nbsp;</div></li></ul><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">This "revolving door" issue has several causes. Considering these issues is critical to determining the structure of any re-entry facility program as well as measuring success of such programs. Typically a former inmate is in a substantially downgraded position socially and economically than when the inmate entered prison. <br /></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l-hin4aqI/AAAAAAAAATQ/lfwPpqc6DSw/s1600-h/Reducing+crime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l-hin4aqI/AAAAAAAAATQ/lfwPpqc6DSw/s320/Reducing+crime.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Recidivism contributors include:&nbsp;</div><ul><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Released prisoners return to a new era; their old skills often are antiquated and employment opportunities are not readily available.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Service programs (skill training, job procurement, support, etc.) are hard to find.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Abandonment by their families, friends, co-workers and community is prevalent.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, etc) commonly develop in prison.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Marginalized, ex-inmates readily pick up substance addictions.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Mentoring ex-inmates has not been a community priority.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Basic services for shelter, clothing, recovery and discipleship are lacking.</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Financial aide is limited in availability.</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Details of Proposed Re-entry Facility&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;: The state corrections department has plans for 280,000 to 300,000 square-foot secure buildings designed to blend in with surrounding communities. Possible architectural plans - Contemporary, Mission, and Tuscan models.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Possible location: Fort Ord, Seaside</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Management: CDCR</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Facilities: It is suggested that the rehabilitative/habilitative services be located on grounds, coordinated and supervised by an experienced administrative professional staff in collaboration with CDCR and with continuous and regular team meetings occurring at weekly/monthly intervals</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;">Possible Program Offerings:<br /></div><ul style="margin-left: 54pt;"><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Employment: basic job skills training, specific trade skills training, literacy education, life skills education (financial, academic, vocational navigation), internship program, financial assistance, transportation support (bus voucher program), </div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l-61TcJFI/AAAAAAAAATY/RuWT6mtooIU/s1600-h/k0115492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6l-61TcJFI/AAAAAAAAATY/RuWT6mtooIU/s200/k0115492.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Mental / Social / Physical: mental health assessment and treatment, substance dependency recovery programs (residential and outpatient), women's abuse/shelter services, small group fellowships, counseling services,</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Community: youth outreach, facilitation with other community organizations (e.g.; Kairos, Koinonia, Prison Fellowship), local volunteer opportunities, facilitation of community education and participation</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Emergency and Temporary: on-site meals, shelter, clothing, transitional housing</div></li><li><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Voluntary mediated dialogue with victim and offender if appropriate; victim impact classes where victims are brought in to tell their story to inmates as a group.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span></span></div></li></ul><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm" title="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Prison Statistics</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. US Department of Justice. Retrieved on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008" title="2008">2008</a>-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_18" title="April 18">04-18</a>.<sup>1</sup><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Nell Bernstein, <em>All Alone in the World: Children of the Incarcerated </em>(New York: The New Press, 2005</span>) <sup>2</sup><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';"><br /></span>&nbsp;</div></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-53117816219542360152008-08-06T09:00:00.001-07:002010-03-23T18:47:57.530-07:00NEWSLETTER August 6, 2008<span xmlns=""></span><br /><span xmlns=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lrvvRnyRI/AAAAAAAAASQ/mkm0e0Z-CI4/s1600-h/Newsletter+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lrvvRnyRI/AAAAAAAAASQ/mkm0e0Z-CI4/s320/Newsletter+logo.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">JULY 2008 =================================================================<br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lr_EBdNEI/AAAAAAAAASY/xgNPRELoORo/s1600-h/Christ+on+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lr_EBdNEI/AAAAAAAAASY/xgNPRELoORo/s320/Christ+on+cross.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br />Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. Thanks to so many of you in so many churches for joining God in this work of his in our local communities. I continue to be amazed at how much has been accomplished in so short a time. Your prayers and work have already produced a harvest. I stand and watch, joyful and in tears of thankfulness. </span> <br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Below is a report to you on activities over recent weeks. It concludes with requests for continued prayer and acts of service. Contact me or others in this ministry with your offers of stewardship and prayer via email or phone or letter.</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">In our Savior's name, </span> <br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Bill Ziering</em></strong></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">===================================================================</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br /></b><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Activities during the last 30 days:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>&nbsp;-To conduct in-prison evangelism and discipleship.<br /><br /></strong>Charles Russell, Chairman of Prison Ministry at the 7th Day Adventist Church in Seaside is now approved and is disciplining youth at Juvenile Hall in Salinas. Sue Creel has provided him Bibles in Spanish and English. Chaplain Robert and Pastor Phyllis Auhll have been solicited by Prison Fellowship Ministries to disciple each Monday at the Soledad Prison.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>To identify, actively nurture, and support those families left behind who reside in a prison of their own.</strong><br /><br />Gail Howard with the Zubick family continue to do food preparation each Wednesday and are teaching Jack how to prepare food. Pam Ziering assists Laura Wells each two weeks with her ladies support group, "<em>Hope Together"</em>.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lsLQsmJII/AAAAAAAAASg/H4v4FhqY5t0/s1600-h/colourful-hands_~k0134462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lsLQsmJII/AAAAAAAAASg/H4v4FhqY5t0/s200/colourful-hands_~k0134462.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>To link with other post –prison and aftercare organizations towards total reintegration of the individual back into the family, community, church, and workplace with full rights under the law and equal status among man.</strong><br /><br /><br />Charles Russell, Robert Auhll, and Bill Ziering accepted the invitation from CDCR (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) to speak in favor of the proposed Secure Prison Reentry Facility at the July 22, 2009 Board of Supervisors Ila Mettee and David Potter both commented how their 3 minute presentations were more impressive than the hour long one from those representing CDCR. Subsequently the Board voted to continue exploring the State project aimed at reducing recidivism.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Come aside the family in love on a continuous basis.</strong><br /><br />Some of the components include: Prayer, Christian counseling, small group fellowship, Church outreach, visitations, food, clothing, child care and activities, assistance with community services, home repair, healthcare, business counseling, job training, physical and nutritional mentoring, Pen-Pal, and Angel Tree. <br /><br />We have begun distributing the gifting of the $500 in vouchers from the Yellow Brick Road to needy families in our ministry.<br /><br />Each Friday at our weekly coalition meetings (Coalition of Churches for Reentry and Restoration") after the opening prayer followed by bible study (relevant to the agenda items) we go to corporate prayer before deliberating on the week's agenda.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6luGbtEgbI/AAAAAAAAASo/mqW7lDtZHc4/s1600-h/Hands+before+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6luGbtEgbI/AAAAAAAAASo/mqW7lDtZHc4/s320/Hands+before+cross.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 18pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br />Bill Ziering visits Pastor Mike's (Casey) Monday evening "Bridge" fellowship. Pastor Mike's "board" purchased a house in PG which currently is home for 6 parolees who lack family and a place to live. Later in August, we will participate at Jesse Alvarez' PACT meeting; there, parolees learn of the variety of programs/services provided in our community directly from representatives of those organizations.<br /><br />We are active in pen-pal with Jeff Wells and Jay Zubick.<br /><br />Laura Wells delivered a testimonial this Sunday to the 6pm group.<br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><br /></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Answered prayer during the last 30 days:</strong> <br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">We pray that more of our church members who have had family incarcerated would be attending one or more of our several groups. We too are surprised how resistant (humiliation? anger? depression?) are these families who know not yet how releasing it is to share their hurt though testimonials, and support of others in the same boat. I am learning that although these 21 (known) families have finally opened up to their being personally affected by incarceration, they are highly resistant to sharing their bottled up feelings.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Planned activities during the coming two months:</strong><br /><br />We are readying another forum at CPC, the "Second Annual" set for Saturday October 4th from 9am to 12:30. Guest speakers tentatively include (pending their availability):<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><ul style="margin-left: 39pt;"><li> <span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">The Rev Connie White (Restorative Justice, Victim - Offender Reconciliation)<br /></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Charles Russell (Spent 20 years in prison over 4 arrests, now gainfully employed as a meat-cutter while heading up a prison ministry at his church)<br /></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Pastor Frederick Anderson (7th Day Adventist Church, Seaside. (Topic: Prevention through family unity and Bible obedience)<br /></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Janice Little, Field Director for Prison Fellowship Ministries (Topic: Coming aside the family left behind)<br /></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lvP5zazBI/AAAAAAAAASw/hlTgz-sKHvA/s1600-h/images+giving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6lvP5zazBI/AAAAAAAAASw/hlTgz-sKHvA/s320/images+giving.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Help needed requests:</strong> <br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br />Pray that other churches on the Monterey Peninsula led by their pastors join with us in unity through developing a prison outreach ministry. We are prepared to assist then as they want our counsel. We ask you to pray for their boldness to join God in this work of His. Pray for a Christian imperative that more churches come to the understanding that God refers to prison and captives more than 250 times. While government is invested to maintain law and order, the church is to reach in compassion and support, a position many seem to have forgotten.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>In Christ's name,<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Bill Ziering<br /></strong></span></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792096940916956708.post-38261794074692319082008-10-12T21:24:00.001-07:002010-03-22T15:27:01.624-07:00CENTERFORCE ANNUAL SUMMIT<b><span xmlns=""></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G_u9sRGqI/AAAAAAAAAMc/jXBzZmjcV4U/s1600-h/Newsletter+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G_u9sRGqI/AAAAAAAAAMc/jXBzZmjcV4U/s320/Newsletter+logo.png" vt="true" /></b></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b></span><br /><b><br /></b><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Oct 6-7, 2008, Sonoma, CA</b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Centerforce mission is to support, educate, and advocate for individuals, families, and communities impacted by incarceration.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fjhXDs36I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/OzygKJyHG0Y/s1600-h/Leaving+prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HIGHLIGHTS</b></span></span><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Matthew Cate, Sec. CDCR (CA Dept Corrections &amp; Rehabilitation</b></span><br /><br /><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fjhXDs36I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/OzygKJyHG0Y/s1600/Leaving+prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fjhXDs36I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/OzygKJyHG0Y/s320/Leaving+prison.jpg" /></b></a><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>50% of those exiting prison have no knowledge of where spending their first night.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Overcrowding, and lack of resources will worsen due to fiscal crisis.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>"Lifers" have proved invaluable in calming the angry "25 year old</b></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fmBIKw1EI/AAAAAAAAARA/dXvchVfPCxc/s1600-h/IMG_6415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fmBIKw1EI/AAAAAAAAARA/dXvchVfPCxc/s320/IMG_6415.JPG" /></b></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ann Adalist Estrin (National Resource Center on Children &amp; Families)</b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The pain from incarceration remains for a lifetime. (Need for support groups)</b></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Children (in silence) mourn for their dad. ("Toxic stress"). Both need to feel "held in mind"</b></span><b><br /></b> <b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Public Awareness Campaigns exist to expose the "broken" criminal justice system and a call for a response&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Eric Bode, Tami Reed (Chowchilla Family Express)</b></span><b><br /></b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Bus from major cities in CA to the two largest women prisons in America. Leaves from LA at 4am and returns the next day at 9pm. Supplies food, housing, family photos, teddy bears, and counseling. Links the families together</b></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Mike Farrell, Dan Abrahamson, Elizabeth Gaynes – Sentencing reform</b></span><b><br /></b> <br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Paroles are essentially unavailable despite eligibility and warden approval. Sentencing from 5 to life, 10 to life, etc will never get out.</b></span><b><br /></b> <b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>More and more prisoners are being transferred out-of-State, guaranteeing family disintergration</b></span></li><li> <br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>85% of the married will be divorced at time of release. (98% of the incarcerated women)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div></li><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span> </b></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Angela Irvine, PhD &nbsp;&nbsp;Planning for Re-entry and Recidivism Prevention&nbsp;</b></span><b><br /></b> <br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Best judges for what's needed are the "clients" themselves. Too often bureaucrats make the decisions</b></span><b><br /></b> <b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></li> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G_QpF32gI/AAAAAAAAAMU/o9e7Gnl6YTI/s1600-h/Job+search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G_QpF32gI/AAAAAAAAAMU/o9e7Gnl6YTI/s200/Job+search.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></b></a></div><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Jobs first, housing second, and diversionary programs a distant third</b></span><b><br /></b> <b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Success best fulfilled with "exit strategy", life skills and literacy training (rather than focus on academics), health and dental care</b></span></li><li> <br /><div><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Watch vocabulary reaffirming human dignity. Don't identify as "felon', "offender" and "inmate".</span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Question from the audience</b>: "How do Americans sleep at night?"&nbsp;</span></span></strong></div></li><li><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fpUNI6agI/AAAAAAAAARI/rocCIglSKnU/s1600-h/chrch0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fpUNI6agI/AAAAAAAAARI/rocCIglSKnU/s200/chrch0.gif" width="200" /></b></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Answer: They are unconscious, and must be awakened to the exponential crisis. In truth we are all interconnected, and what has happened to the families in our neighborhood, and at our church might well happen to us tomorrow</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Churches are a solution to the "conspiracy of silence" in making the invisible visible. Their practices of redemption, transformed hearts, and restoration, are to be acted upon. Church leaders are to lead the way from the pulpit and being in the front line</strong></span></div></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Matt Gray (</b>Sacramento Lobbyist for Prison Reform). Has been on both sides: A victim of violent crime and a family member of an inmate.</span><b><br /></b> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G6agiC64I/AAAAAAAAAL0/xBt_viCS3ZU/s1600-h/State+capitol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G6agiC64I/AAAAAAAAAL0/xBt_viCS3ZU/s200/State+capitol.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></b></a><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>State bills in contrast to federal bills have no pork</i></b></span><b><i><br /></i></b> <b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></i></b></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Legislators spend 50% of their time in Sacto </i>fundraising</b></span><b><br /></b> <b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Legislators must tow the party line or suffer the consequences from within</b></span></li><li> <br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Meeting with members: Eyeball to eyeball, two minute maximum, (no stories), seek common ground (never argumentive), be totally humble, provide single page handouts for staff, offer solutions, and make self available for additional help, and thank them for their courtesy</b></span></div></li><li> <br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Current bills 6 and 9 are horrific. The will insure every lifer eligible for parole will never get out, nor will it be possible to reverse or modify them in the future</b></span></div></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Yearly awards</b></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Robert Ayers. Present warden at San Quentin. Acts to lower recidivism with multiple innovative programs. His advice to the audience, "KEEP UP YOUR ENERGY".</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></li><li><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Phillip Seiler's mother. Worked for her sons release from 20 years on death row at San Quentin and despite the Governor's veto of the Paroles Commission granting his release, sued the present Governor and won.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Socratic Forum (Ron Clement moderator)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fthKd573I/AAAAAAAAARY/-4cyzLZRHDQ/s1600-h/prisonreform+man+in+grief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fthKd573I/AAAAAAAAARY/-4cyzLZRHDQ/s200/prisonreform+man+in+grief.jpg" width="134" /></a><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sasha Abrimsky</b> (American Furies, Crime, Punishment, and Vengence in the Age of Mass Imprisonment). Collapse, the current status of our economic system. Tensions are and will be extremely high. Crime will increase sharply as the unemployment rate will reach towards 25%. It is urgent we fund mental health and drug addiction programs. Jobs and housing are the basic needs. The foreclosure on houses will make the feds landlords for public housing. Legalizing marijuana will be a win win step. The taxes secured will release lots of money to the government.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>David Shaw</b> (CA Inspector General). Probation will assume much of the role currently played by the DA's. Present facilities overcrowding demand we must rethink how best to manage our offenders. Seeking alternatives will be the job of Probation</span></li></ul><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G3OArDbrI/AAAAAAAAALs/JiFjg9qb0Cc/s1600-h/San+Quentin.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6G3OArDbrI/AAAAAAAAALs/JiFjg9qb0Cc/s200/San+Quentin.gif" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Paul Wright </b>(Editor: Prison Legal News, Author: The Celling of America. Himself in prison for 17 years.) The experts for reform are the voices of the prisoners. Decriminalizing is critical.</span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Richard Word.</b> (Police Chief, Vacaville, CA) Too few dollars, too few staff. Must reprioritize. Redeploy staff from traffic supervision to dealing with serious crime. Start "values" programs in grade schools.</span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"></span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Pam Douglas</b>. (Community stakeholder). Leave the low level drug offender to the local community for "restorative justice" (restoration to the victim, and redress). Save money by ridding unnecessary funding, illegals.</span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Phillip Seiler</b>. (Releasee, and apprentice plumber). Vocational unions care more for fulfilling the job than one's past record. The hiree must receive help in obtaining the tools to start his trade. Above all, provide "life skills training" to youth mainly from those "experts" who were inmates themselves</span></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>David Warren</b>. (Representative. Taxpayors for Improving Public Safety). Literacy is basic. When one can't get a job, he becomes vulnerable to escape with drugs. Give the youngsters "hope".</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></li><li><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Rod Clement</b> (Moderator and Advisor to foundations). Consortiums are basic to find their common ground to improve the criminal justice system and decrease recidivism.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><b>Comments from audience</b>. Implement Restorative Justice for all juvenile offenders. Restore families in crisis. We are all part of one body.</li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Funding</b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6ftSmJf3WI/AAAAAAAAARQ/X8jAy17XuDA/s1600-h/sm_xholy09.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6ftSmJf3WI/AAAAAAAAARQ/X8jAy17XuDA/s320/sm_xholy09.gif" /></a></div><ul><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Study the foundation websites, their interests, and guidelines</span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Speak to their agents and tell of your work, its basis, like work being done, collaborative parties, outcomes, and how to measure success</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Grants are given only to the passionate</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fuAwa37KI/AAAAAAAAARg/SimLDgVc0Q4/s1600-h/Bill+Ziering.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oY7ZLRZxZFE/S6fuAwa37KI/AAAAAAAAARg/SimLDgVc0Q4/s320/Bill+Ziering.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">26033 Mesa Drive, Carmel, CA 93923, william_ziering@comcast.net</span></span></span></i><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="margin-left: 36pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /></span>Bill and Pam Zieringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03741545483715837241noreply@blogger.com0